Hans Dampf in allen Gassen

German

Alternative forms

• Hansdampf in allen Gassen

Etymology

Literally, “John Steam in all alleys”. Used as a title of a story by Heinrich Zschokke (1771–1848), variation of the older Hans in allen Gassen.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /hans ˈdampf ɪn ˈalən ˈɡasən/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

Hans Dampf in allen Gassen m (strong, genitive Hans Dampf in allen Gassen, no plural)

1. (idiomatic) jack of all trades (talented and versatile person who is involved in many endeavours, implying initiative and great activity, but possibly also a certain rashness or recklessness)

   Synonyms: Tausendsassa, Universaltalent, Allrounder

Further reading

• “Hansdampf in allen Gassen” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache