Idioms

man-to-man

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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.

man to man

in a direct and frank way between two men; openly and honestly.
See also: man, to
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˌman to ˈman

between two men who are treating each other honestly and equally: I’m telling you all this man to man. ♢ a man-to-man talk
See also: man, to
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

man to man

Openly, frankly. This term, dating from the days when certain kinds of frankness were deemed unfit for female ears, seems archaic today, although it may survive in father-son talks. See also heart-to-heart talk.
See also: man, to
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer
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References in periodicals archive
Man-to-man marking is, essentially, a simple system.
In the zone, or a simple approach? ECHO WRITERS give their views on which marking system would be best for the blues
If the opposition can escape this defensive pressure with a pass out of the trap, all five defenders should sprint immediately into the half-court defense, (whether it be man-to-man or some type of zone defense).
All five defenders then match up with the closest man in their immediate area and play full-court man-to-man defense until the ball is turned over or nears the front court's hash marks (where the half-court defense) goes into effect.
The full court zone press and multiple stunts part I: the 1-2-1-1 press
When we Eagle Up in Stud, we let the F/S have a deep zone (both DE's if they go deep) and the CB's play the HB's man-to-man, especially in third-down situations.
Stud defense
The drill has become a widely popular tool for teaching the basic fundamentals of man-to-man defense: ball pressure, deny position, help-side defense, hedging (fake-trapping) the basketball, rotating with the movement of the ball, proper vision, and effective communication.
7 variations of the Shell Drill
The X goes nose-to-nose with him, applying tight man-to-man coverage.
The X factor: your secret weapon on defense. (Football)
Anyone can be taught to play good man-to-man defense regardless of size or speed.
The BC's of great man-to-man defense. (Basketball)
Since all defenses, including zone, is predicated on man-to-man principles, we'd like to present the true and tried building blocks and drills to use with young players.
The Fundamental Building Blocks of MAN DEFENSE
We know he was a disciple of Hank Iba, the ultimate in ball-control and man-to-man defense.
Voice of the Turtle
If the corners are aligned to funnel the outside receivers inside and settle into flats, the post-snap read will identify whether it is indeed a Cover 2 zone or if the corners are in a man-to-man coverage using a bail technique.
Teaching Defensive Recognition in the Passing Game
Since the "games" can be run quickly or with a delayed action, the defensive linemen must be aware of whether the offensive line is using man-to-man or zone pass protection and to be on the alert for aggressive blocking.
Playing the Line Games
The defensive team is applying tight man-to-man pressure, denying all passes.
Stop Getting Beat Backdoor!
After the drills, using all eight of our baskets, the students play two-on-two for 10 minutes, stressing two-on-two with instructors walking the floor, stressing man-to-man techniques, both offensively and defensively.
A Summer School Basketball SKILL Program For Grade School Kids
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