Discover idioms that uniquely capture the essence of skills in everyday language. This post explores 20 phrases that metaphorically describe various skills, providing meanings and practical examples.
Idioms That Describe Skills
1. Sharp as a tack
Meaning: Extremely intelligent or clever.
Example: She’s sharp as a tack in negotiations.
2. Quick on the uptake
Meaning: Fast at understanding or learning.
Example: He’s quick on the uptake with coding.
3. Has the Midas touch
Meaning: Skilled at making money.
Example: Everything she touches turns profitable.
4. Knows the ropes
Meaning: Understands how to do something well.
Example: He really knows the ropes of sailing.
5. On the ball
Meaning: Alert and capable.
Example: She’s always on the ball during meetings.
6. Plays second fiddle
Meaning: Supports a more prominent person.
Example: He’s content playing second fiddle.
7. Jack of all trades
Meaning: Competent at many skills.
Example: She’s a jack of all trades at work.
8. Old hand
Meaning: Very experienced.
Example: He’s an old hand at French cuisine.
9. Wet behind the ears
Meaning: Inexperienced or naive.
Example: He’s still wet behind the ears.
10. Has a green thumb
Meaning: Good at gardening.
Example: She really has a green thumb.
11. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: Born into wealth and privilege.
Example: He was born with a silver spoon.
12. Has an eagle eye
Meaning: Notices every small detail.
Example: Her eagle eye misses nothing.
13. Keep one’s hand in
Meaning: Maintain skill by practicing.
Example: He keeps his hand in with piano.
14. Firm hand
Meaning: Shows strong control or leadership.
Example: She rules with a firm hand.
15. Has the upper hand
Meaning: Has a dominant position.
Example: She always has the upper hand.
16. Play it by ear
Meaning: Act without preparation.
Example: Let’s play it by ear tonight.
17. Has a good head on one’s shoulders
Meaning: Is sensible and wise.
Example: He has a good head on his shoulders.
18. Has an ace up one’s sleeve
Meaning: Has a hidden advantage.
Example: She always has an ace up her sleeve.
19. Handy with a wrench
Meaning: Skilled at fixing things.
Example: He’s handy with a wrench.
20. Eyes in the back of one’s head
Meaning: Aware of everything around.
Example: Teachers need eyes in the back of their heads.
