Not Good At Any Subject

I can’t say I’m an authority in any subject. I’m not really good at anything. I do have a college degree in cooking, though. I know basic cooking but can’t say I’m an expert. From my understanding to be an authority in a subject, that person has to know the subject very well. Cooking isn’t too difficult but it requires a chef to explain food science and there are food terms that professionals can explain the subject to some who are beginners. The term mise en place means “put in place.” Only students, chefs and French speakers know this term or some who work in a Western kitchen for a long time.

Can you say you’re an authority in a subject even though you don’t know everything about it?