| Idiom |
Where Used |
Meaning |
|---|
| jack of all trades; jack of all trades, master of none |
Global |
A person who is skilled at many different types of jobs, but is likely not a top expert in any job; a generalist rather than a specialist. In the USA, "master of none" is usually omitted.
(Ex: "I can fix that broken window and plumbing leak for you. I'm a jack of all trades.")
|
| join the club |
Global |
A phrase that can be used to express sympathy for a common (often unpleasant) experience, or to disparage the complaints of others by making their problems seem common. |
| jump down someone's throat |
Global |
Strongly criticize, reprimand or disagree with someone (Late 1800s) |
| jump the gun |
Global |
Start doing something too soon, act too hastily. Alludes to starting a race before the starter's gun has gone off, and supplants the earlier beat the pistol, which dates from about 1900. (Mid 1900s) |
| jump the tracks |
AUS |
To go around standard operating procedures. |
| jump the shark |
USA |
Passing the peak and beginning the slide into mediocrity or worse. Originally coined in the context of television shows, the idiom has moved into broader usage. This is a relatively modern idiom. |
| jump on the (band)wagon |
AUS, USA |
To follow the crowd, sometimes with out knowing why. To join up just because everyone else is. A derogatory term used for people who follow fads. |
| juggling picked onions, juggling pickled frogs |
|
Carrying out a hazardous or difficult task. Both onions and frogs are slippery and so likely to be hard to juggle with ease. |
| just for the record |
AUS, USA |
To set things straight, make clear. This usage employs record in the sense of "public knowledge". |