a dab hand

a dab hand

Someone who is skilled in a particular area. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Amanda can fix that hole in your blouse—she's a dab hand at sewing.
See also: dab, hand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a dab hand

BRITISH
COMMON If you are a dab hand at something, you are very good at doing it. She was a dab hand at solving crossword puzzles. We gave big lunches every weekend and I became a dab hand at roasts. Note: In the late 17th century, `dab' meant clever or skilful.
See also: dab, hand
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • dab
  • be a dab hand
  • be a dab hand at
  • be a dab hand at something/at doing something
  • can (do something) on (one's) ear
  • get on with
  • get on with (someone)
  • mine of information
  • mine of information, a
  • a mine of information
References in periodicals archive
A DAB hand - that's Andy Burton after a blitz on the species.
Rivals gone for a burton; SEA SCENE
The court case which collapsed showed he is a dab hand at getting off.
RECORD VIEW: Dan hand at deceit