man-to-man

[man-tuh-man]

adjective

1. characterized by directness, openness, etc.; frank and personal.

   He had a man-to-man talk with his son about sex.

man-to-man

adjective

1. characterized by directness or candour

   a man-to-man discussion

Word History and Origins

Origin of man-to-man¹

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

Attacking players run 'routes' close to each other hoping one of their players gets in the way of a defensive back, opening up space for their teammate, particularly against man-to-man pressure.

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When Motherwell took their goal-kicks, Rangers' attackers pushed high, applying a full press in a man-to-man fashion.

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By not committing entirely to backing up the press in a man-to-man fashion, United's press was disjointed - meaning City had a free man somewhere.

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A tactic that negates numerical overloads is man-to-man marking across the pitch - and it is one Grimsby employed.

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Before his arrest, Johnson on Monday posted an Instagram video of himself bear-crawling as he calls out Rogan: “I challenge you man-to-man to a fight.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blunt 
• candid 
• forthright 
• guileless 
• honest 
• matter-of-fact 
• naive 
• outspoken 
• straightforward