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

The response inspired Kayne to write a one-man show, “Sorry For Your Loss,” about his family and his experience but also about grief in society.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 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

The star of HBO TV drama Succession was due to launch his 18-date one-man show - It's All About Me! - on 1 October at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in Northampton.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

Someday Ml have a poetry reading and a one-man show at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on the Lower East Side.

From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes