What is the origin of the idiom "jack of all trades" and when to use it?

The idiom "jack of all trades" likely has its origins in medieval Europe. It was originally used to describe a person who had a broad range of skills and abilities but may not have been a master or expert in any one particular trade or profession. The term "jack" was a generic name for a man, similar to "John" or "Joe," and it was used to refer to someone who was versatile in various trades. The idiom "jack of all trades" is used to describe a person who has a wide range of skills or abilities, often in different areas of work or expertise. It implies that the person is versatile and can handle a variety of tasks or roles but may not be a specialist or expert in any single field. It can be used both positively, to acknowledge someone's versatility, and sometimes negatively, to suggest a lack of expertise or depth in a specific area.