| 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".
|