balm; jack-of-all-trades
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
cooling balm; mentholated ointment; old name for 清凉油
Refers to a topical medicinal balm used to relieve headaches, insect bites, and dizziness. This term is now somewhat dated when used literally.
My grandmother always kept a bottle of cooling balm; when she felt dizzy, she would apply it to her temples.
This box of balm is already twenty years old.
noun
jack-of-all-trades; generalist; dabbler (often implying master of none)
informalMetaphorical use comparing such a person to a balm that claims to cure all ailments. Often carries a slightly derogatory connotation of superficiality, though it can be used neutrally or even positively in some contexts to describe versatility.
He is a jack-of-all-trades at the company, knowing a bit about design, programming, and sales.
Don't be a workplace generalist; you need to dig deep in one field and become an expert.
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Although he is called a jack-of-all-trades, it is precisely this versatility that makes him an excellent project manager.