to a man
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- without exception
- voted for unionization to a man