A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

WALPOLE History of England I. 311 It would be unfair to say of Lord Brougham that he

was ‘Jack of all trades and master of none’. 1987 O. S. CARD Seventh Son (1988) vi. 47

To have every possible skill.. and to have it in exactly even proportions. Far from being

average, the child was extraordinary..Jack of all trades and master of none? Or master of

all? 2002 Oxford Times Weekend 9 He is quick to point out that the reverse side of the

renaissance man is jack of all trades, who, as we all know, is often considered a master of

none. trades and skills

Jack see also a GOOD Jack makes a good Jill; all WORK and no play makes Jack a dull
boy.

JAM tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today

1871 ‘L. CARROLL’ Through Looking-Glass V. ‘The rule is, jam to-morrow and

jam yesterday—but never jam to-day.’ ‘It must come sometimes to “jam to-day”,’ Alice

objected. ‘No, it can’t,’ said the Queen. 1951 ‘J. WYNDHAM’ Day of Triffids xii. Just

put the Americans into the jam-tomorrow-pie-in-the-sky department awhile. 1979

Guardian 9 June 10 The manageress of the launderette calls me darling. .. ‘Jam

yesterday, jam tomorrow, but never jam today.’ disappointment

jaw (rush of water): see JOUK and let the jaw go by.

jest see many a TRUE word is spoken in jest.

jewel see FAIR play’s a jewel.

Jill see a GOOD Jack makes a good Jill; every JACK has his Jill.

job see never send a BOY to do a man’s job; if a THING’S worth doing, it’s worth doing
well.

join see if you can’t BEAT them, join them.

JOUK and let the jaw go by

A Scottish proverb counselling prudent or evasive action when trouble threatens. The