See Also: ABILITY, CLEVERNESS, SUCCESS/FAILURE

1. Accomplishment and authority hang on him like a custom-tailored suit —Alvin Boretz (play-in-progress)
2. Encased in talent like a uniform —W. H. Auden
3. He uses irony as a surgeon uses a scalpel … with the same skill and to the same effect —Anon
4. Like a hog he does no good till he dies —Thomas Fuller See Also: EVIL
5. Rise to the occasion like a trout to the hook —Anon
6. Skilled and coordinated as an NFL backfield —James Mills
7. Something positive had been accomplished, like wrapping up a package in smooth paper, firm, taut, with a tight knot —Belva Plain
8. (Slowly he crept upon the heart of Manhattan, his) talent poised like a knife —Scott Spencer
9. To watch him is like watching a graceful basketball player sink shot after shot —Anon

feather in [one’s] cap A distinction or honor, a noteworthy achievement. In the 14th century, a soldier added a feather to his cap for each enemy soldier he had killed. A similar practice existed among the American Indians who added feathers to their headdress. Among hunters, it was a common practice (and still is in Scotland and Wales) to pluck a feather from the first kill of the season and display it proudly in one’s hunting cap. By the mid-1600s, the feather had lost much of its “killing” significance while retaining its symbolic value as a sign of bravery and honor. At that time, many British noblemen considered themselves to be men of distinction by virtue of their birthright and frequently wore feathers as a somewhat garish addition to their attire. Since men, regardless of virility or pugilistic prowess, no longer wear feathers as badges of accomplishment, in contemporary usage the expression is exclusively figurative.

hat trick A triple accomplishment; a streak of three successful undertakings. This British expression originated as cricket slang for the taking of three wickets, a feat for which the triumphant player was awarded a tall hat. The term’s current figurative meaning is extended to include any triple achievements or victories.