one-trick pony

The phrase "one-trick pony" originates from the world of performing animals and is used metaphorically to describe limited versatility.

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Definition

B2General

(informal, metaphorical)A person or thing known for only one skill or achievement.

Example

  • Many critics consider him a one-trick pony because he only directs horror films.
  • The startup is a one-trick pony, focusing solely on its innovative app.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "one-trick pony":

one-horse raceone-hit wonderdog and pony showone-man bandone pump chumpone jokebroken record