man-to-man
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of man-to-man
First recorded in 1570–80
Explanation
Something man-to-man is straightforward and personal. If your dad has something very important to tell you, he might sit you down for a man-to-man conversation. You could also describe a man-to-man talk as being "one-on-one" or even "woman-to-woman," since man-to-man obviously excludes anyone who's not male. The term has an implication of extreme honesty: "It might hurt your feelings, but I think it's time for a man-to-man chat about your grades." You can also use man-to-man to mean "player to player," a common sports defense strategy in which every player guards one specific opponent.
Vocabulary lists containing man-to-man
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 49ers were in man-to-man coverage and lost track of the Chargers quarterback.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
Former manager Ruben Amorim's solution to the increase in man-to-man pressure across the Premier League was to encourage goalkeeper Senne Lammens to play long.
From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026
Although this might raise some alarm bells, last season there was a rise in man-to-man pressure high up the pitch - making playing out from the back tougher.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
It is not uncommon to see higher defensive lines and man-to-man pressure, with teams preferring not to give high-level opposition the majority of the ball close to their goal for 90 minutes.
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
“I needs to talk to you man-to-man, Little Charlie.”
From "The Journey of Little Charlie" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
