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Reader question: Please explain “jack of all trades” in this sentence: With experience in news reporting, marketing and public relations, Patrick is truly a “jack of all trades.” My comments: Jack is often seen in this phrase with a capitalized J because Jack is the name of a person – he can be anyone in the street. Yes, in other words, Jack is the same as Joe in the American expression the “average Joe” – the common man (or woman). The “Jack of all trades” is someone who is capable of doing many different jobs in many lines of business (trades). In our example, Patrick is likened to a “Jack of all trades” because this guy is experienced in not just journalism (news reporting), but marketing and public relations. News reporting involves skills of writing and communicating with other people, handling interviews and so forth. It’s a different set of skills compared to what’s required for marketing and public relations, even though the latter two trades also benefit from good interpersonal skills. Patrick is experienced in all three trades and is therefore a person of versatility. He’s good at all three jobs, too, I assume, judging from the tone of sentence. People such as Patrick are rare in society and are often highly valued. Rightfully so because it is difficult to be good at one job – if you set a high standard for yourself, that is – let alone many at the same time. | 
