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

See Examples For:

to whom it may concern

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

From Newsweek ● Jan. 15, 2012

This is to whom it may concern: Five hundred dollars' reward is to be paid for information leading to the arrest of a party who last night broke into the home of Nathan R. Hallowell.

From Radio Boys Cronies Or, Bill Brown's Radio by Wayne Whipple

I submit the question to whom it may concern.

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

Patriotically insisted upon meeting four times a week, to show, to whom it may concern, that at least they are ready for work.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 105, August 5th 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