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Jack of all trades
A jack of all trades is a person who can do many different kinds of work. It usually describes someone who is versatile and able to handle a wide range of tasks.The phrase has been used in English since the 1600s. It originally referred to someone who practiced many trades instead of specializing in one. A longer version of the saying is "jack of all trades, master of none".
In a small startup, you often need to be a jack of all trades and help with whatever needs doing.
Judged and found wanting
To be judged and found wanting means that something or someone has been examined or tested and has been seen as not good enough.The phrase comes from older English writing and was influenced by a line in the Bible from the Book of Daniel about being "weighed" and found lacking. Over time it became a general expression for failing to meet a required standard.
After examining the cake, the fete committee judged it and found it wanting.
Jury is still out
The jury is still out means that a decision has not been made yet, or that people are still unsure about something and more time or evidence is needed before anyone can say what the final answer will be.The phrase comes from the legal system, where a jury leaves the courtroom to discuss the case and decide on a verdict. While they are still discussing and have not returned, the outcome is not yet known.
The new phone looks interesting, but the jury is still out on whether it is actually better than the previous model.
Just the ticket
The phrase just the ticket means exactly what is needed. It suggests something is a perfect fit for the situation, and you are very happy with this. It originated from winning prize tickets.This warm jacket is just the ticket for winter.
Keep an eye on
To keep an eye on something means to watch it carefully or check on it to make sure nothing goes wrong. It often involves looking after something or someone for a short time.The phrase comes from the simple idea of using your eyes to observe something closely. Over time it became a common way to describe monitoring or supervising.
Could you keep an eye on the dog while I run to the store?
Keep it under your hat
The idiom keep something under your hat means to keep a secret. It suggests not sharing information with others. It may have originated from hiding something under your hat, or keeping something in your head, which is under your hat.Keep it under your hat until the meeting.
Keep the home fires burning
To keep the home fires burning means to continue taking care of things at home while someone else is away. It often refers to maintaining daily life and support until the person returns.The phrase became popular during World War I from a song encouraging families to remain hopeful and keep life going while soldiers were overseas.
While her partner was working abroad, she stayed behind to keep the home fires burning.
Keep your eyes peeled
To keep your eyes peeled means to watch carefully and stay alert for something. People use this idiom when they are telling someone to look closely so they do not miss anything important.The expression comes from the idea of keeping your eyes wide open, as if the eyelids were peeled back so you can see everything clearly.
Keep your eyes peeled for the trail marker so we do not miss the turn.
Keep your fingers crossed
You say keep your fingers crossed when you are hoping for good luck. This physical gesture has been in use for a very long time, but it is different in some countries.In Germany and Scandinavia, crossing your fingers is seen as a sign of lying, and in Vietnam it is considered offensive.
Crossing your fingers behind your back while you are lying is a superstition that forming a cross with your fingers where nobody can see it secretly negates the lie.
I'm crossing my fingers that I get that job!
Kick the bucket
The phrase kick the bucket is used as a way of saying "to die".The slightly gruesome origin is from kicking out the bucket someone is standing on when you hang them at a gallows.
The old car finally kicked the bucket.