What is a 'one trick pony'?

Question

Where did it come from?

Answer 1

something that is good for just one thing and just one thing only.......

Answer 2

I'd guess it's an allusion to circus trick ponies, or, more likely, wannabe trick ponies. They might be very good at balancing a ball on their nose (for instance), but if that's all they can do, then they are not much good to the circus, i.e. if they want any other tricks performed, they'll have to hire and train other ponies. Similarly, a carpenter who is really really good at sawing boards but can't pound a nail worth beans, might be said to be a "one trick pony", not much good to his employer who would be forced to hire other carpenter(s) to get his nails hammered.

Answer 3

this is circus lingo - a one trick pony can only do one thing in the ring. Maybe bowing or something.

It has gone into the bigger world to indicate that the person or group that is being spoken of is only good in one area - like a juggler who can only do tennis balls and not flaming sticks, or a movie producer who can only do horror pics.

Answer 4

Someone that has one accomplishment and then no more.

ie: Billy Ray Cyrus and his song "Achy Breaky Heart".

His one and only song that was popular.