man-to-man
1. adjective Serious, private, and between two men. Used to describe a conversation or interaction, especially one in which difficult, embarrassing, or sensitive topics are discussed. I think I need to have a man-to-man talk with you about the dangers of unprotected sex. The coach took the player aside to have a man-to-man conversation about his recent outbursts and lack of focus.
2. adjective In basketball, describing a style of defense in which each defensive player guards an individual offensive player. Man-to-man defense is a lot more tiring than zone, but it can also be much more effective.
3. adverb Directly and privately between two men. Come in here for a moment, Duncan. I'd like to chat man-to-man about what's been happening in the office recently. A: "I just can't seem to get through to Harry. He won't listen to me at all." B: "Look, he's at a tricky stage in a teenage boy's life. Let me try talking to him man-to-man."
4. noun A serious, private conversation between two men, typically in which difficult, embarrassing, or sensitive topics are discussed. Looking back, I really wish there had been someone to have a man-to-man with me when I started going through puberty.
5. noun, basketball A style of defense in which each defensive player guards an individual offensive player. And they come out in man-to-man! It's going to be a defensive battle tonight.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.