This article addresses the idiom “To Each Their Own,” covering its meaning, usage in everyday conversations, and alternatives. You will learn about the phrase’s definition, its origins, and see a variety of examples to understand how it is used in different contexts. Understanding idioms like “To Each Their Own” helps you grasp the nuances of conversational English.
“To Each Their Own” Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “to each their own” means that everyone has their own preferences, tastes, or opinions, and it conveys acceptance of differing choices or lifestyles. It suggests that what may be suitable or enjoyable for one person might not be the same for another, and emphasizes the idea of respecting individual differences.
“To Each Their Own” Meaning
The phrase “to each their own” means that everyone has their own preferences, tastes, or opinions, and that it’s acceptable for people to have different likes or dislikes. It emphasizes the idea of respecting individual differences and acknowledges that what works or is preferred by one person may not be the same for another.
Examples:
- “Some people love hiking, while others prefer staying indoors. To each their own!”
- “I don’t like spicy food, but if you enjoy it, to each their own.”
Origin of This Idiom
The phrase “to each their own” actually originated from the direct translation of the Latin phrase “Suum cuique.” This phrase literally translates to “to each his own.” Although no one is certain as to exactly when its popularity rose as an idiom, the phrase has been used in movies, music and plays as far back as the time of Shakespeare where he mentions the phrase “to each their own” in the play Hamlet.
Usage of “To Each Their Own”
- In a discussion about food preferences:
“I don’t understand how anyone can eat sushi, but to each their own!”
- Talking about hobbies:
“Some people enjoy painting, while others prefer photography. To each their own!”
- In a conversation about travel:
“I love beach vacations, but my sister prefers mountain retreats. To each their own.”
- Discussing fashion choices:
“She always wears bright, flashy outfits, whereas I prefer more understated clothing. To each their own!”
Related Terms to “To Each Their Own”
- Different strokes for different folks – everyone has different preferences and tastes.
- Variety is the spice of life – diversity in choices makes life interesting.
- Live and let live – accept that people have different lifestyles or opinions.
- Each to their own – a more succinct version of the phrase, emphasizing individual choices.
- What suits one may not suit another – acknowledging that personal preferences vary.
- One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – what is worthless to one person may be valuable to another.
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – perceptions of beauty are subjective.
- Personal choice – emphasizing the right of individuals to make their own decisions.
- Subjective taste – highlighting that preferences are personal and vary from person to person.
- To each their own opinion – emphasizing respect for different viewpoints.
Other Ways to Say “To Each Their Own”
As with most idioms, there are many ways you can say “to each their own” and convey the same meaning. Some of the things you can say with the same meaning are “some people appreciate different things,” “different strokes for different folks” or “tastes differ from one person to another.”
“To Each Their Own” synonyms list:
- Each his own
- Each their own methods
- Different strokes for different folks
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
- Some people appreciate different things
- Whatever floats your boat
- Different
- Free for all
- Each man for himself
- Tastes differ from one person to another
“To Each Their Own” Examples
Examples in Statements
A fashion reporter narrating from the red carpet.
- “I would have never chosen to wear those shoes with that dress, but hey, to each their own.”
A designer walking through someone’s house.
- “I would never paint my living room walls with such a vibrant color, but every homeowner is different so to each their own.”
Examples in Conversations
A conversation between a mother and daughter.
- Mother: Back in my day we would never wear something so short!
- Daughter: Well, mom, times change and to each their own.
A conversation between two friends.
- Friend 1: I can’t believe you bought such a clunker of a car.
- Friend 2: I know, but it was cheap and it will be a project I can work on and fix up.
- Friend 1: Well, if you are willing to put in all that work, to each their own.