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to whom it may concern

Idioms  
  1. To the appropriate recipient for this message, as in I didn't know who was responsible for these complaints so I just addressed it “to whom it may concern.” This phrase is a formula used in letters, testimonials, and the like when one does not know the name of the proper person to address. [Second half of 1800s]


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.

See Examples For:

One letter is addressed to Fine and the other "to whom it may concern."

From Newsweek Jan. 15, 2012

Be it fulfilled, the receipt thereof acknowledged, let be communicated to whom it may concern, published and inserted in the National Register.

From Observations on the Present State of the Affairs of the River Plate by Thomas Baines

I submit the question to whom it may concern.

From The Glow-Worm and Other Beetles by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos

Showed to whom it may concern that venerable age may be criticised without discourtesy, and high position attacked without insolence.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105, September 2nd, 1893 by Various

He handed over Benjamin Wade's letter of introduction, "to whom it may concern."

From Every Man for Himself by Hopkins Moorhouse

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