# plumbers and firemen

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A notional inferior level of competition that allowed past champions to excel.

## Etymology
Originated from a exchange in a 2022 episode of First Take. In response to a remark that Bob Cousy once had 29 assists in a game, JJ Redick responded, "well, he was being guarded by plumbers and firemen".

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/plumbers-and-firemen