What does “Johnny-come-lately” mean?
"Johnny-come-lately" means someone who has recently joined a group or started doing something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's just a Johnny-come-lately to the company, so he doesn't know all the procedures yet.
Example
Don't listen to him, he's just a Johnny-come-lately to the hobby and doesn't know what he's talking about.
Example
She's been here since the beginning, so she knows a lot more than the Johnny-come-latelys
Is “Johnny-come-lately” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Johnny-come-lately” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Johnny-come-lately” effectively in context?
You can use "Johnny-come-lately" to refer to someone who has recently joined a group or started doing something, implying that they have less experience or knowledge compared to others. For example, if a new employee at a company is unfamiliar with the procedures, you might say, 'He's just a Johnny-come-lately to the company, so he doesn't know all the procedures yet.'
- 1Work
He's just a Johnny-come-lately to the company, so he doesn't know all the procedures yet.
- 2Hobbies/Interests
Don't listen to him, he's just a Johnny-come-lately to the hobby and doesn't know what he's talking about.
- 3Experience/Knowledge
She's been here since the beginning, so she knows a lot more than the Johnny-come-latelys.
Similar phrases to “Johnny-come-lately”:
Newbie
A person who is new to a particular activity or group
Example
She's a newbie to the team, so we need to give her some guidance.
An inexperienced or naive person
Example
He's a greenhorn when it comes to cooking, so his dishes may not turn out well.
Someone who arrives or joins something after it has already started
Example
She's a latecomer to the party, but we're glad she could make it.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Johnny-come-lately” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Johnny-come-lately" is unknown.
Is “Johnny-come-lately” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Johnny-come-lately" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is new to a group or activity and lacks experience or knowledge compared to others.
What tone does “Johnny-come-lately” have?
"Johnny-come-lately" conveys a tone of dismissiveness or skepticism. It is often used to downplay the credibility or authority of someone who is new to a particular field or group.
Can “Johnny-come-lately” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Johnny-come-lately" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of someone being new or inexperienced. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's just a Johnny-come-lately to the company, so he doesn't know all the procedures yet.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't listen to him, he's just a "Johnny-come-lately"!' to imply skepticism towards someone's opinions or knowledge.
