stock in trade

American  

Or stock-in-trade

noun

1. the requisites for carrying on a business, especially goods kept on hand for sale in a store.

2. resources or abilities peculiar to an individual or group or employed for a specific purpose.

   A feeling for language should be part of the stock in trade of any writer.

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stock in trade British  

noun

1. goods in stock necessary for carrying on a business

2. anything constantly used by someone as a part of his profession, occupation, or trade

   friendliness is the salesman's stock in trade

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Etymology

Origin of stock in trade

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Deuterons being the Rad Lab’s stock in trade, Lawrence commanded, “Let’s try it out.”

From Literature

But fearlessness is Winterson’s stock in trade, as anyone who has read her extraordinary, searing memoir, “Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal?,” will attest.

From New York Times

Rogen’s stock in trade — the midbudget comedy — has long been on the endangered-species list in the Marvel era, during which time comedy talent has undergone a mass migration from movies to streaming television.

From New York Times

We’re back with yet another variation on The Style Invitational’s stock in trade: the change-one-letter neologism contest.

From Washington Post

It’s her stock in trade — more so than the 60-odd articles of summer clothing she’s got stuffed in her suitcase and plans to wear or sell.

From New York Times