man-to-man

1 of 2

adjective

ˈman-tə-ˈman 

1

: characterized by frankness and honesty

—usually used of a discussion between two men

a man-to-man talk

2

: of, relating to, or being a system of defense (as in football or basketball) in which each defensive player guards a specified opponent

He had taken man-to-man defense to a new level of sophistication …

—John Feinstein

The Packers under Lombardi were just about a pure man-to-man defensive team.

—Paul Zimmerman

man-to-man adverb

or less commonly man to man

Let's be reasonable and discuss this man-to-man.

Strongmen bring a distinct style to international diplomacy. They tend to want to sort things out man-to-man, rather than relying on institutions or international law.

—Gideon Rachman

After employing a zone defense in recent games, the Bruins came out playing man-to-man and it paid dividends.

—Beth Harris

man-to-man

2 of 2

noun

1

: a frank discussion especially between two men : a man-to-man talk

had a man-to-man with a friend about his problems

She [Vermont DOC consultant Kathleen Patten] believes conversations between victims and offenders can offset the sometimes-harmful separation the two sides experience during legal proceedings. "The court experience is really tough for people," she says. "A man-to-man isn't allowed. …"

—Cathy Resmer

2

: a system of defense (as in football or basketball) in which each defensive player guards a specified opponent : man-to-man defense

[Lathan] Ransom is an aggressive run defender from the safety position, and he also does a good job as a free-roaming safety in pass coverage. He's great in zone coverage on defense, but he can also play some man-to-man out on the perimeter.

—Nathanael Rutherford

Examples of man-to-man in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 6 June 2024

So Martindale’s blitz-heavy, man-to-man scheme will give Moore’s Michigan players and program some consistency on that side of the ball. McDonald and Minter both worked for Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, at Michigan. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 9 Feb. 2024

Noun

And when Musketeers coach Sean Miller traded out a man-to-man defense for a zone, the Longhorns began to pound the ball to Bishop in the paint. —Dave Skretta, Chron, 24 Mar. 2023

Playing predominantly in-your-grill, man-to-man D, the Toreros limited UCI to 29.9 percent shooting, 20 of 67. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 2