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Jack of all trades, master of none

Meaning: Versatility can come at the cost of expertise.

Origin: English proverb from the 17th century, originally a compliment.

Translations

  • French: Touche-à-tout, bon à rien (literally: Touch everything, good at nothing)
  • Spanish: Aprendiz de todo, maestro de nada (literally: Apprentice of all, master of none)
  • Japanese: 器用貧乏 (Kiyō binbō) (literally: Skilled but poor)

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • Haste makes waste — Rushing leads to mistakes and wasted effort.
  • Don't cry over spilled milk — Don't worry about things that have already happened.
  • A penny saved is a penny earned — Saving money is just as valuable as earning it.
  • Easy come, easy go — Things obtained without effort are easily lost.
  • The proof is in the pudding — Results speak louder than promises.
  • Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it — Ignoring past mistakes leads to repeating them.

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