apprentice

apprentice (one) to

To pair one with an expert in a particular field or trade so that one can learn about it. I have apprenticed my son to the local blacksmith.
See also: apprentice

sorcerer's apprentice

Someone who is unable to contain or control a situation, event, or process that they instigated. A reference to a ballad written by Goethe in 1797 called "Der Zauberlehrling," about an apprentice magician who, through arrogance in his own abilities, brings a broom to life to do his chores for him, only to realize he has no way of controlling it. The banking authority, like a sorcerer's apprentice, created a system where greater bad debts were being inflated far beyond their market value, thus leading to a severe crash once the bubble inevitably burst.
See also: apprentice
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

apprentice someone to someone

to assign someone to work at a certain trade and learn it from someone experienced. She apprenticed her son to a local diesel mechanic. I apprenticed myself to a printer and learned what it means to get really dirty.
See also: apprentice
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

sorcerer's apprentice

a person who having instigated a process is unable to control it.
This is a translation of the French L'Apprenti sorcier, the title of an 1897 symphonic poem by Paul Dukas based on Der Zauberlehrling, a 1797 ballad by Goethe . In this ballad the apprentice's use of magic spells sets in motion a series of events which he cannot control.
See also: apprentice
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • 1FTR
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head
  • give someone their head
  • cooking for one
  • as one door closes, another opens
References in periodicals archive
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Apprenticeships should be affordable for all, but many apprentices face the double whammy of low pay and high travel costs.
Government urged to help apprentices go distance
THE managing director of a payment technology company based in Brighouse has reaffirmed his company's commitment to recruiting apprentices as a "key tactic to help drive future business growth".
'We provide apprentices with opportunity to forge a career'
Design Engineer Apprentice - Traditional Lifts Design
There are 50 jobs going in one part of Merseyside - here's how you can get one; There are loads of great opportunities here
A Stirling man has won a top award for supporting apprentices.
Reward for supporting apprentices
Every year we see apprentices flying through their claims but when the get down to just 3lb there's not a lot between them and a fully fledged professional.
Hayes backs HRI over apprentices
Craig Dawson, chairman of the TUC Young Workers' Forum, said: "PS3.50 per hour is a shockingly low wage, and the evidence shows that too many apprentices aren't paid even that.
Thousands of apprentices 'under paid'
Another question asked by employers is: "What happens if I become so busy that I cannot train someone for a while?" In that event, Learndirect will work with the company to re-profile the apprentice's training programme to reflect your work pressures.
Apprentices can benefit your business
Mechanical design apprentice Philip Marwood, who was hand-picked to meet the Prime Minister
No. 10 honour for top apprentice Philip
In the past two years he has also been named apprentice of the year in tears two and three, and overall apprentice of the year in year three at the council.
Lucky seven for Mitchell as he picks up another gong
All of the staff including the apprentices hold NVQ2 qualifications in roofing disciplines or are working towards completing their NVQs.
Roofing apprentice Jack has friends in high places!
Apprentice affiliate membership is the first step of the journey for apprentices aiming to become professionally registered.
Call for apprentice award nominations
National Construction College General Construction Apprentice: Jermaine Henry, Bam Nuttall National Construction College Outstanding Apprentice: Christopher Smith, Irvine Contractors, Shetland Company Contribution to a National Skills Academy for Construction project: Cavendish Construction, Pinner, Middlesex Individual Contribution to a National Skills Academy for Construction project: Zoe Dalton, Denne Construction, Sittingbourne, Kent National Skills Academy for Construction Contribution to supply chain engagement: Taylor Woodrow, BAM Nutall joint venture Outstanding National Skills Academy for Construction Client: Southampton city council
AND HERE ARE THE WINNERS..
Debbie Evans from Llandudno, one of nine winners from a range of programme areas, was presented with the evening's most prestigious award, Apprentice of the Year 2014, and a cheque for PS200, by Jackie Doodson, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo.
Top student a cut above rest
The National Apprenticeship Service has launched a raft of new measures designed to help guide employers through the process of recruiting an apprentice.
NAS launches new support for employers taking on apprentices