Bailiwick

/ˈbeɪlɪˌwɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person's area of authority, influence, or expertise.

As a seasoned lawyer, criminal law is her bailiwick.

A jurisdiction or district within which a bailiff has authority.

The bailiwick of the local court extends to several neighboring towns.

A person's particular field of work or interest.

While she specializes in marketing, his bailiwick lies in finance.

A specific area in which someone operates or has control.

Education policy is not her bailiwick; she prefers to focus on healthcare.

From Middle English 'bailiwicke', from 'baili' (bailiff) + 'wick' (a district or dwelling place).

in one's bailiwick

within the area of someone’s authority or expertise

out of one's bailiwick

beyond the area of someone’s authority or expertise

bailiff

a legal officer with custody of prisoners and the duty to execute writs

jurisdiction

the official power to make legal decisions and judgments

a person's specialty or strong suit

When it comes to coding, that's totally his bailiwick.