past master

noun

1. a person who is thoroughly experienced or exceptionally skilled in a profession, art, etc.:

   a past master at chess.

2. a person who has held the office of master in a guild, lodge, etc.

past master

noun

1. a person with talent for, or experience in, a particular activity

   a past master of tact

2. a person who has held the office of master in a Freemasons' lodge, guild, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of past master¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Idioms and Phrases

A person who is thoroughly experienced or exceptionally skilled in some activity or craft. For example, We're lucky to get Ella, because she's a past master at fundraising . This expression probably alludes to the original literal meaning, that is, one who formerly held the post of master in a lodge or other organization. Although past mistress was used for an exceptionally skilled woman in the mid-1800s, it is heard less often today, master serving for both sexes. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

I dared not trust myself to the seduction of his manner and voice—he was a past-master in the art of making love.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the fraternity “The American” was known as a clever crook, a man who was a past-master in the art of bluff.

From Project Gutenberg

As for his production of the play, it showed the old skill of a Past-Master of Pageantry.

From Project Gutenberg

No––neither was she like Lola of the Golden Cloud, past-master of men because she had belonged to many.

From Project Gutenberg

One soldier in particular was past-master in making savoury stews much appreciated by the others.

From Project Gutenberg