Definition

Noun: 1. A versatile worker: A person, typically in a non-sports context, who is skilled in various tasks and is available to perform different jobs or roles as needed. 2. A versatile baseball player: In baseball, a player who is valued for his ability to competently play multiple defensive positions, providing flexibility to the team.

Usage Examples

• Noun (General Worker):
  • The theater's utility man can fix lights, build sets, and manage props.
  • On a small farm, the owner often acts as the utility man, handling repairs, animal care, and harvesting.
• Noun (Baseball):
  • The manager praised the utility man for seamlessly moving from second base to left field during the game.
  • Having a reliable utility man on the roster is crucial for dealing with injuries and scheduling.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be applied metaphorically in other fields to describe a person with a broad, adaptable skill set.
  • In our small startup, Sarah is our utility man, handling marketing, customer support, and even some coding.

Variants and Related Words

• Utility player (n): This is a more common and modern synonym, especially in sports contexts. It is often used interchangeably with "utility man."
  • She is the team's most valuable utility player, capable of filling in anywhere on the field.

Synonyms

• Handyman: (Especially for the general worker sense) A person skilled at various small repair jobs.
• Jack-of-all-trades: A person who can do many different types of work.
• Versatile player: (In sports) A player adept at multiple positions or roles.

Related Idioms

• To wear many hats: To perform multiple roles or functions. This idiom captures the essence of a utility man's role.
  • As the office utility man, he has to wear many hats throughout the day.

Noun

1. a workman expected to serve in any capacity when called on
2. a baseball player valued for the ability to play at several positions