past master

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He is a past master at saying nothing unintended in public.

From The Guardian

Nixon was a past master at smarmy fake patriotism.

From Salon

It’s inspiring when a living composer, rather than being intimidated by the work of a past master, pays homage to it, even critiques it, by writing a contemporary version.

From New York Times

The Russian leader is a past master in winding up liberal Western leaders while also nodding to his strategic need to stay close to Saudi Arabia.

From BBC

“He is the past master at keeping his own counsel, very closely,” Lott said in an interview.

From Washington Post