Every Tom, Dick, and Harry




Previous Page

Every Tom, Dick, and Harry : Phrases



Meaning:

Everyone, all ordinary individuals.


Example:

The company's newest model should appeal to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.


Origin:

The use of masculine names in this phrase dates from Shakespeare's time (he used Tom, Dick, and Francis in I Henry IV), but the current usage dates from the early 1800s.

Variants: "Every mother's son" (1583) & "Every man Jack" 1800s). These 2 variants are British and occasionally used in America.























Phrases Index





From Every Tom to HOME PAGE