What does “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” mean?
"Any Tom, Dick or Harry" means that anyone or everyone, regardless of their name or identity, is included or involved.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't want just any Tom, Dick or Harry working on this project.
Example
You can't trust any Tom, Dick or Harry with your personal information.
Example
We need to find a qualified professional, not just any Tom, Dick or Harry
Is “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Any Tom, Dick or Harry” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” effectively in context?
You can use "Any Tom, Dick or Harry" to refer to anyone or everyone, regardless of their name or identity. It is often used to express a lack of specificity or to emphasize that someone or something is not special or unique. For example, if you're discussing a job opening and want to emphasize that you're looking for a qualified candidate, you might say, 'I don't want just "any Tom, Dick or Harry" working on this project.'
- 1Job Search
We need to find a qualified professional, not just any Tom, Dick or Harry.
- 2Trust
You can't trust any Tom, Dick or Harry with your personal information.
- 3Generalization
I don't want just any Tom, Dick or Harry working on this project.
Similar phrases to “Any Tom, Dick or Harry”:
John Doe
A name used to refer to an unidentified or generic person
Example
The suspect was identified as John Doe.
Jane Doe
A name used to refer to an unidentified or generic woman
Example
The victim's identity was initially unknown, so she was referred to as Jane Doe.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Any Tom, Dick or Harry" is unknown.
Is “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Any Tom, Dick or Harry" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey a sense of inclusiveness or to emphasize that someone or something is not special or unique.
What tone does “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” have?
"Any Tom, Dick or Harry" conveys a tone of casualness and informality. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to make a point or to express a lack of specificity.
Can “Any Tom, Dick or Harry” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Any Tom, Dick or Harry" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We need to find a qualified professional, not just "any Tom, Dick or Harry".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I don't want "any Tom, Dick or Harry".' to imply a generalization.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- every man and his dog
- anyone and everyone
- all and sundry
- the masses
- the general public
Antonyms
- specific individuals
- exclusive group
- chosen few
- handpicked selection
