one-man band - A person able to perform many different tasks well. The literal term applies to a musician who can play many instruments, sometimes even simultaneously. In one of his shows, the composer and musical humorist Peter Schickele blew a bassoon while at the same time playing the piano with one hand or elbow. The term dates from the 1800s. The Burlington (Iowa) Hawk-Eye had it on July 1, 1876: “The one-man band, comprising drums, cymbals, violin, and a squeaking pipe . . . had one thing to recommend it. You can kill the drummer and thus obliterate the whole band.” The term is also applied to multitalented individuals in other fields.
Synonyms:
- Jack of all trades
- Renaissance man
- Polymath
- Multitalented individual
Antonyms:
- Specialist
- One-trick pony
- Single-tasker
Related & Similar Terms:
- Jack of all trades, master of none: Refers to someone who can do many things but is not necessarily proficient at any.
- Renaissance man: An individual with broad intellectual interests, often excelling in numerous fields.
- Polymath: Someone who knows a great deal about various subjects.
Fun Illustration:
“Imagine someone playing the violin with their left hand, beating a drum with their right foot, and harmonizing with a kazoo in their mouth. Welcome to the chaotic but fascinating world of the one-man band!”
Humor-filled Quotes:
“I know they say you’re a one-man band, but I’ll believe it when I see you play trumpet, saxophone, and kazoo while hopping on one foot.” - W.T. Wittywords
Proverbs:
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
References in Literature and Entertainment:
- Book: The Multi-hyphen Method by Emma Gannon
- Movie: Mary Poppins - Remember Bert, the charming jack-of-all-trades?
- Song: One Man Band by Old Dominion
- Poetry: A Man For All Seasons by Robert Bolt
Inspirational Note:
A one-man band symbolizes the beauty of versatility and resilience, showcasing how one person can accomplish the work of many. Reach for various skills and revel in the magic of multitasking!
Quizzes:
Farewell note:
“Embrace the spirit of the one-man band within you, and remember, life is too short to play just one tune!” 🥁🎺🎸
— Max O. Mischief
