(One-Trick Pony is an annoying business term and is just one of the 212 Most Annoying Business Phrases Managers Effuse, Confuse, and Overuse detailed in the hilarious must-have guide for every workplace: The 30,000-Pound Gorilla in the Room. Available right now on Amazon.)

One-Trick Pony

This annoying insult (like most insults you hear from bosses) is uttered by the overly insecure managers in your life. They feel threatened by a competitor, a peer, or even a junior employee.

They’re threatened because this other person is really good – strike that – really, really great at something. So great, in fact, others marvel out loud at the greatness.

To elevate themselves above this superstar, they insist he or she is just a one-trick pony. Somehow, this satisfies their insecurities and allows them to get on with their little lives.

Conversely, when we hear one-trick pony, we usually think, “Wait, what if it’s a pretty freaking cool trick? We mean, a pony that can do a trick – even just one – is a good thing, right? If that trick is making us a pizza or getting us a beer, we’d be more than satisfied with this pony having just one trick.”

Wouldn’t you?

Replacement phrases: No replacement phrase needed. In fact, stop insulting those better than you; try celebrating, congratulating, and praising them. You’ll earn more respect.

See also: Good with a Hammer; Jack of All Trades, Master of None

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The 30,000-Pound Gorilla in the Room is available on Amazon