Be all things to all men/people
verb phrase
To try to please or understand the needs of everyone.
The new president has a difficult task as he tries to be all things to all men, balancing the demands of many different groups.
Often appears as...
- struggle to be all things to all men
- try to be all things to all men
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try to please or understand the needs of everyone.
The new president has a difficult task as he tries to be all things to all men, balancing the demands of many different groups.
Often appears as...
- struggle to be all things to all men
- try to be all things to all men
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is expected to adapt to different groups' expectations.
As a teacher, she felt pressured to be all things to all men, tailoring lessons to each student's preference.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
The phrase suggests an impossible task and might imply frustration or a wish to do the impossible.
He's burning out in his efforts to be all things to all men at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Impractical Expectation
Use this phrase to express that it's not realistic for someone to satisfy everyone's desires or needs.
Our product can't be all things to all men; we need to target a specific audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is expected to adapt to different groups' expectations.
As a teacher, she felt pressured to be all things to all men, tailoring lessons to each student's preference.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
The phrase suggests an impossible task and might imply frustration or a wish to do the impossible.
He's burning out in his efforts to be all things to all men at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Impractical Expectation
Use this phrase to express that it's not realistic for someone to satisfy everyone's desires or needs.
Our product can't be all things to all men; we need to target a specific audience.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Nuance
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone is expected to adapt to different groups' expectations.
As a teacher, she felt pressured to be all things to all men, tailoring lessons to each student's preference.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Undertone
The phrase suggests an impossible task and might imply frustration or a wish to do the impossible.
He's burning out in his efforts to be all things to all men at work.
Pro Tip 3/3Impractical Expectation
Use this phrase to express that it's not realistic for someone to satisfy everyone's desires or needs.
Our product can't be all things to all men; we need to target a specific audience.
Never forget "Be all things to all men/people"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension