Man to man

Pro Tip 1/3

Candid Conversation

Used when having an open and sincere discussion, often about difficult subjects between two people.

After the game, the coach had a man to man talk with the player about his performance.

Pro Tip 2/3

Private Setting

Indicates a conversation should be in private rather than in a group or public place.

We should discuss your promotion man to man, not here in the office hallway.

Pro Tip 3/3

Gender Neutral

The phrase can be used regardless of the actual gender of the participants in the conversation.

The phrase 'man to man' is a bit old-fashioned, but she requested a man to man conversation with her mentor.