by trade: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by trade’ mean?
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a symbolic meaning, separate from its literal meaning. The phrase "by trade" is an idiom commonly used to indicate someone's primary or regular occupation.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom is a phrase that does not have a literal meaning. The idiom "save" means to keep money or resources for future use, or to rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
The idiom "depart with" means to part with or give up something, often reluctantly or with some regret. It implies the act of letting go of something that was previously held or possessed.
The idiom "day in, day out" means consistently or without interruption, typically referring to a repetitive or monotonous daily routine or task.
The idiom "daily grind" refers to the everyday routine or monotonous tasks of one's job or life.
An idiom meaning to take shortcuts or do something in a faster or easier way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It is used to describe a situation where someone tries to save time, money, or effort by finding an easier or quicker way to achieve a goal.
The idiom "cut a deal" means to make an agreement or negotiate a settlement, often involving compromises or concessions, usually in a business or legal context.
An idiom used to describe something ordinary, typical, or unremarkable.
The idiom "by virtue of" means because of or due to a particular quality, attribute, or circumstance.
The idiom "by the same token" means that something is true or applicable for the same reasons or in the same way as something else that has just been mentioned.
The Craftsmanship Significado
The idiom "by trade" is commonly used in everyday English to describe a person's primary occupation or profession. It is often used to indicate that someone is trained or skilled in a particular field or industry.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Middle Ages when trade referred to a specific craft or occupation that required specialized skills. The phrase "by trade" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "tred," which meant a path or course. Over time, the word "tred" evolved to "trade," which came to denote a specific occupation or profession.
When someone is described as being a carpenter by trade or a chef by trade, it implies that their occupation is not just a casual hobby or temporary job but rather an area where they have undergone training, gained experience, and honed their skills. It signifies that this profession is their primary source of income and that they are well-versed in the techniques and knowledge required for that specific trade.
The idiom "by trade" can also be used humorously or ironically to describe someone who may not be highly skilled or proficient in their stated profession. For example, if someone jokingly refers to themselves as a "chef by trade" while struggling to cook a simple meal, it implies that their claim of being a chef may not be entirely accurate, and their lack of expertise is evident.
Furthermore, the idiom "by trade" can be extended to describe someone's primary occupation even if it is not explicitly stated. For instance, if someone says they are a banker, it can be inferred that they are a banker by trade, indicating that banking is their primary profession.
The idiom "by trade" is closely related to the idiom "bad word". When someone is described as a carpenter by trade and a plumber by bad word, it suggests that they are primarily a carpenter but may not be highly proficient in their plumbing skills. In this context, the idiom "bad word" adds a playful element and highlights the person's lack of expertise in a particular trade.
Another related idiom is "by trade" is "save". When someone is described as a chef by trade and a cashier by save, it implies that their primary profession is being a chef, but they also work as a cashier to supplement their income or as a backup job. The idiom "save" emphasizes the person's ability to secure additional employment and be flexible in their career choices.
The idiom "by trade" is also related to the idiom "common or garden variety". When someone is described as a lawyer by trade and a photographer of common or garden variety, it suggests that they are primarily a lawyer but also dabble in photography as a hobby or side interest. The idiom "common or garden variety" adds a touch of informality and highlights the person's lesser degree of specialization in their secondary trade.
Furthermore, the idiom "by trade" can be related to the idiom "day in, day out". When someone is described as a teacher by trade and a writer day in, day out, it conveys that their primary source of income and expertise lies in teaching, but they spend a significant amount of time writing. The idiom "day in, day out" emphasizes the person's consistent and dedicated involvement in their secondary trade alongside their main occupation.
Finally, the idiom "by trade" is related to the idiom "by virtue of". When someone is described as an engineer by trade and a manager by virtue of, it suggests that their primary profession is engineering, but they have also assumed the role of a manager due to their qualifications, experience, or other relevant factors. The idiom "by virtue of" highlights the person's additional position or authority in their secondary trade, which may not be their primary focus.
The idiom "by trade" is commonly used in English to denote a person's primary occupation or profession. It signifies that the individual has specialized skills, training, and experience in a specific field. Whether used literally or figuratively, this idiom highlights a person's expertise in their chosen trade. The related idioms "bad word", "save", "common or garden variety", "day in, day out", and "by virtue of" add further nuances and depth to our understanding of the person's profession, emphasizing their specialization, flexibility, informality, consistent involvement, and additional roles or positions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "by trade" can be used in a sentence:
- He is an engineer by trade, but has recently started pursuing his passion for photography.
- She is a chef by trade and enjoys exploring different cuisines.
- My father is a carpenter by trade and has built many beautiful pieces of furniture.
The idiom "by trade" is commonly used to describe someone's profession or primary occupation. It is often used to indicate that a person has chosen or trained for a particular job, skill, or craft. In the examples above, the phrase "by trade" is used to specify the main occupation or profession of the individuals mentioned.
More "Profession" idioms
