Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Without exception; every single person: Used to emphasize that a statement applies to every member of a group without any omissions.

Usage

• The phrase "to a man" is an idiomatic adverb used to modify a verb or a clause, stressing the completeness and unanimity of a group's action or opinion.
• It typically follows a statement about a group's action.
• It is a formal or literary expression.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The soldiers stood their ground to a man. (Every single soldier stood their ground.)
  • The committee members, to a man, supported the proposal. (Every committee member supported the proposal.)
  • They answered the call to volunteer to a man. (Every one of them answered the call.)

Advanced Usage

• "To a man/woman": A modern variant used for mixed-gender or gender-neutral groups to emphasize inclusivity.
  • The staff, to a man and woman, signed the petition. (Every single member of the staff signed the petition.)

Variants and Related Words

• To the last man: An even more emphatic phrase, often with a connotation of finality or sacrifice.
  • They defended the fortress to the last man. (They defended it until every single one was gone.)
• Unanimously (adv.): A more common, non-idiomatic synonym meaning in complete agreement.
• Without exception (phrase): A direct synonym that can often replace "to a man."

Synonyms

• Unanimously
• Without exception
• One and all
• To the last one

Related Idioms

• As one: Acting together in unison.
  • The crowd rose as one to applaud.
• To a person: A synonym for "to a man," often used in modern contexts.
  • They agreed to a person.

Notes on Usage

• The phrase "to a man" is considered idiomatic and fixed. It should not be interpreted literally word-for-word.
• While traditional, the phrase can be perceived as gender-specific. In contemporary writing, alternatives like "to a person," "to a man and woman," or "unanimously" are often preferred for mixed groups.

Adverb

1. without exception
   • voted for unionization to a man