What does “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” mean?

"Every Tom, Dick and Harry" means that it refers to every person, regardless of their identity or importance.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I don't want just every Tom, Dick and Harry attending the event.

Example

The store is open to every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants to shop.

Example

The company is looking for qualified candidates, not every Tom, Dick and Harry

Is “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Every Tom, Dick and 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 “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” effectively in context?

You can use "Every Tom, Dick and Harry" to refer to every person, regardless of their identity or importance. It is often used to express a sense of inclusivity or to emphasize that something is open to everyone. For example, if you are organizing an event and want to make it clear that it is not open to just anyone, you might say, 'I don't want just "every Tom, Dick and Harry" attending the event.'

1Event Planning
The conference is open to every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants to attend.
2Job Recruitment
The company is looking for qualified candidates, not every Tom, Dick and Harry.
3Inclusivity
The organization welcomes every Tom, Dick and Harry to join their cause.

Similar phrases to “Every Tom, Dick and Harry”:

Any Tom, Dick or Harry

Refers to any person, regardless of their identity or importance

Example

The job posting attracted any Tom, Dick or Harry who thought they were qualified.

Every man and his dog

Refers to a large number of people or things

Example

The park was crowded with every man and his dog enjoying the sunny weather.

All and sundry

Refers to everyone, without exception

Example

The announcement was made to all and sundry to ensure everyone was informed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Every Tom, Dick and Harry" is unknown.

Is “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Every Tom, Dick and Harry" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey the idea of inclusivity or to emphasize that something is open to everyone.

What tone does “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” have?

"Every Tom, Dick and Harry" conveys a neutral tone. It is a casual expression that can be used in various contexts without sounding too formal or informal.

Can “Every Tom, Dick and Harry” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Every Tom, Dick and Harry" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in everyday conversations as well as in more professional or formal situations.

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, 'The event is open to "every Tom, Dick and Harry".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'We don't want "every Tom, Dick and Harry".' to imply exclusivity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

everyone
anybody and everybody
all people
the general public
every single person