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

Firstly, Salah lost track of his man for both goals as Liverpool aimed to defend in a man-to-man fashion.

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Arsenal dominated the first half partly because of this overload and Slot opted for a man-to-man press in the second half to fix this.

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Players get beat for too many layups playing man-to-man against La Cañada.

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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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Related Words

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