one-man show

Idioms  

1. Also, one-man band. A person who does or manages just about everything, as in This department is a one-man show—the chairman runs it all, or John conducts the interviews, writes the articles, solicits ads, deals with the printer—he's a one-man band. This idiom alludes to the actor or artist responsible for the entire performance or exhibit, or the musician who plays every instrument in the group. [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

A strong family connection runs throughout the play, as the one-man show is also performed by Aoibh's brother, Rónán Johnson.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

And he reveals that, when Joey’s acting career failed to take off, he planned a one-man show for himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

It’s a one-man show that I can say without hyperbole is the best work he ever did.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

He had a one-man show at the Corcoran Gallery, his paintings were included in an exhibit called “Operation Palette,” which toured the country for five years, and he won two Guggenheim fellowships.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2025

He was preparing a group of these pieces for a one-man show when he heard about the party and he instantly abandoned his own work and began a giant pincushion for Doc.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck