On today's program , we talk about an animal idiom . What do you think it means to be a one-trick pony ? Let's start with a pony . That is a small horse . And one definition of a “trick ” is a special act or skill . So , pony tricks can be fun to see . But who would want to watch a pony that does the same trick over and over ? A one-trick pony is a person that has only one skill . So , the term is an insult . A one-trick pony is of low value . A one-trick pony can also describe a person who has had success only once . So , for example , let's say you know a champion weightlifter . He is big and strong and successful in the sport . But it is the only thing he does : He eats , drinks , and sleeps weightlifting . You could truthfully tell him he is a one-trick pony . But , be prepared to run away as soon as the words leave your mouth . He probably won't be very happy . Some word experts say the idiom "one-trick pony " comes from the circus . A circus pony that can only do one trick is not going to entertain a crowd for very long . Within about fifty years , the term had become an idiom . And if you have more than one , you have one-trick ponies . Now , a one-trick pony usually describes a person . But sometimes it can describe other things , such as a company . If a company only does one thing such as make ice cream cones , it might be called a one-trick pony . However , that usage is less common . Now , let's hear two friends use the expression in a conversation . Guess who will perform at my outdoor party next week ? Sam the Entertainer ! Please , not Sam the Entertainer ! He's anything BUT entertaining . What do you mean ? He has such energy ! He may be “energetic ,” but he's a one-trick pony . Sam is the best bagpipe player around . But that's ALL he does . I hope your guests like loud bagpipe music . I'm sure they'll love it ! ! I've invited all my Ren-Fest friends ! Now , keep in mind that people who specialize in a certain area of their work are not called one-trick ponies . They are specialists . For example , I would never call a doctor specializing in children's illnesses a one-trick pony . She is a specialist and has many skills to do her job . But I hope you don't consider us one-trick ponies .