tom

(every) Tom, Dick, and Harry and any Tom, Dick, and Harry

Fig. everyone, without discrimination; ordinary people. (Not necessarily males.) The golf club is very exclusive. They don't let any Tom, Dick, or Harry join. Mary's sending out very few invitations. She doesn't want every Tom, Dick, and Harry turning up.

See also: and, harry

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a peeping Tom

a man who secretly watches women while they are taking their clothes off or having sex I always close the curtains in case there are any peeping Toms across the road.

See also: peep

an Uncle Tom

a black person who is too eager to please white people

Usage notes: This phrase is from the book Uncle Tom's Cabin by H.B. Stowe, in which the main person in the story is a black slave. (= someone who is legally owned by another person)

She was seen by other blacks in the neighborhood as an Uncle Tom for not complaining about police harassment.

See also: uncle

Tom, Dick and/or Harry

anyone, especially people that you do not know or do not think are important Draw the curtains or we'll have every Tom, Dick and Harry peering through the window. I want a qualified plumber to do the job, not just any Tom, Dick or Harry.

See also: and, dick, harry

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every Tom, Dick, and Harry

anyone Draw the curtains or we'll have every Tom, Dick, and Harry peeking in the window.

Usage notes: usually said about any person you do not know or think is unimportant, and sometimes used in the form any Tom, Dick, or Harry: I want a qualified plumber to do the job, not just any Tom, Dick, or Harry.

See also: and, every, harry