Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person with long and thorough experience in a given activity; an expert: A "past master" is someone who has achieved a high level of skill and knowledge through extensive practice and experience in a particular field or activity.
   • Someone who was formerly a master, especially in a guild or fraternal organization: Historically, this term refers to a person who has previously held the office of master in a guild, lodge, or similar society.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She is a past master at negotiating difficult contracts. (She is an expert at negotiating difficult contracts.)
  • After 30 years in the kitchen, he is a past master of French cuisine. (After 30 years in the kitchen, he is an expert in French cuisine.)
  • The ceremony was led by the lodge's past master. (The ceremony was led by the person who was formerly the master of the lodge.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a past master in/of/at something": This is the standard construction to indicate someone's area of expertise.
  • He is a past master in the art of diplomacy.
  • She is a past master of chess strategy.
  • They are past masters at avoiding responsibility.

Variants and Related Words

• Expert (n): A person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area.
• Veteran (n): A person who has had long experience in a particular field.
• Former master (n): The literal meaning, referring specifically to someone who previously held the title of master in an organization.

Synonyms

• Expert
• Adept
• Virtuoso
• Authority
• Old hand

Related Phrases

• Master of the craft: An expert in a specific trade or skill.
• Grand master: The highest rank in some organizations or fields (e.g., chess, Freemasonry).

Idioms

• Past master at: Used to describe someone who is supremely skilled in a particular area. This is the most common idiomatic use.
  • He's a past master at getting what he wants. (He is extremely skilled at getting what he wants.)

Noun

1. someone who has long and thorough experience in a given activity
2. someone who was formerly a master