Past master
n.capable, thoughtfulformal
What it means
A person whose long experience has produced exceptional practical skill.
Reach for it when praising someone as deeply accomplished in a specific activity
A past master of joinery showed us how grain direction changes every cut.
Choose between these
5- playful
for an experienced person in relaxed, familiar speech
not when Old hand may put unwanted emphasis on age and familiarity.
- everyday
when many years in a field are the central qualification
not when Veteran proves duration more readily than exceptional mastery.
- professional
when authoritative knowledge or skill is established
not when Expert does not specifically imply long experience or effortless craft.
- professional
master practitioner
when formal language should join seniority with demonstrated practice
not when Master practitioner may be an official grade and should not be invented as one.
- literary
for dazzling command in music, art, or another performance field
not when Virtuoso emphasizes brilliance and fits fewer everyday trades.
Said against
3- novice
- beginner
- amateur
It naturally appears in
3- past master at
She is a past master at turning limited space into useful storage.
- past master of
The director was a past master of comic timing and quiet suspense.
- a real past master
Ask Dev, a real past master when delicate gears need adjustment.