Be no slouch

phrase

To be very competent or skilled in doing something, to not be slow or lazy at something.

John may be getting old, but he's no slouch at playing basketball.
Visual representation of "be no slouch" - To be very competent or skilled in doing something, to not be slow or lazy at something

Often appears as...

  • no slouch at
  • he's/she's no slouch

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

To be very competent or skilled in doing something, to not be slow or lazy at something.

John may be getting old, but he's no slouch at playing basketball.
Visual representation of "be no slouch" - To be very competent or skilled in doing something, to not be slow or lazy at something

Often appears as...

  • no slouch at
  • he's/she's no slouch

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be no slouch"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Connotation

The phrase implies respect for someone's ability or skill in a specific area.

Illustration for Positive Connotation
Despite his modesty, he's no slouch when it comes to public speaking.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Usage

It's used in informal contexts, such as conversations with friends, and not in formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I met the new teacher; she's no slouch in managing the classroom.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Contextual Clarity

Make clear what skill or activity is being referred to, to avid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Contextual Clarity
In the kitchen, Maria is no slouch—her desserts are famous.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Connotation

The phrase implies respect for someone's ability or skill in a specific area.

Illustration for Positive Connotation
Despite his modesty, he's no slouch when it comes to public speaking.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Usage

It's used in informal contexts, such as conversations with friends, and not in formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I met the new teacher; she's no slouch in managing the classroom.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Contextual Clarity

Make clear what skill or activity is being referred to, to avid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Contextual Clarity
In the kitchen, Maria is no slouch—her desserts are famous.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Connotation

The phrase implies respect for someone's ability or skill in a specific area.

Illustration for Positive Connotation
Despite his modesty, he's no slouch when it comes to public speaking.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Usage

It's used in informal contexts, such as conversations with friends, and not in formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Usage
I met the new teacher; she's no slouch in managing the classroom.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Contextual Clarity

Make clear what skill or activity is being referred to, to avid misunderstandings.

Illustration for Contextual Clarity
In the kitchen, Maria is no slouch—her desserts are famous.
Visual representation of the word "Be no slouch"

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