butcher, baker, candlestick maker—said of people with traditional occupations or skills:
- Jean rushed to his favorite wine merchant, to his tobacconist, to his butcher, baker, candlestick maker.
Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief—whatever your profession or occupation:
- You can be a doctor, lawyer, or Indian chief, as the rhyme goes. But in the midst of making a living, what kind of person will you be?
chief cook and bottle washer —(also: head cook and bottle washer) smb. who is in charge but who also has to attend to trivial duties; a person (specifically a spouse) who does everything:
- As a stay at home Dad, I am also the chief cook and bottle washer.