In 15 Seconds
- Represents the average, non-expert person.
- Used for general public opinion.
- Contrasts with expert or official views.
- Common in journalism and everyday talk.
Meaning
Imagine you're asking for opinions on a new movie. You wouldn't just ask critics; you'd ask the average person. That's `a man in the street`. It means a regular, everyday person, not someone with special knowledge or power. Think of them as the voice of the general public.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a political debate
I think `a man in the street` would be confused by all those technical terms they used.
I think an ordinary person would be confused by all those technical terms they used.
Instagram caption for a street photography post
Capturing the essence of `a man in the street` in Tokyo. Every face tells a story.
Capturing the essence of an ordinary person in Tokyo. Every face tells a story.
Job interview discussion about market research
Our strategy needs to consider the perspective of `a man in the street`, not just industry analysts.
Our strategy needs to consider the perspective of an ordinary person, not just industry analysts.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects a historical shift in media. As journalism evolved, there was a need to represent 'the people'. It moved away from elite voices. It gave ordinary citizens a perceived platform. This reflects democratic ideals. It values the perspective of the non-elite. It’s about making the world of news and commentary accessible.
Think 'Average Person'
Whenever you see or use `a man in the street`, mentally substitute 'the average person' or 'regular folks'. This helps nail the meaning instantly.
Avoid Literal Interpretation!
Don't get stuck on the 'man' part. It's gender-neutral! Also, it doesn't mean someone literally plucked from a sidewalk. It's about their status as a non-expert.
In 15 Seconds
- Represents the average, non-expert person.
- Used for general public opinion.
- Contrasts with expert or official views.
- Common in journalism and everyday talk.
What It Means
This phrase refers to an ordinary person. They are not an expert in a field. They also aren't someone in a position of authority. Think of them as the average Joe. They represent the general public's view. It’s about common sense and everyday opinions.
Origin Story
The idea of a man in the street likely emerged from journalism. Early newspapers wanted to show public opinion. They'd interview people encountered randomly. This gave a voice to the common folk. It contrasted with official statements. It made news feel more relatable. Imagine reporters asking passersby about politics. That's the spirit of the phrase.
How To Use It
Use a man in the street when talking about general opinions. It's good for surveys or polls. You might use it when discussing public reactions. It highlights the perspective of non-experts. It contrasts with expert or official views. It’s a way to say 'what does the average person think?'
Real-Life Examples
- A news anchor might say: "We polled
a man in the streetabout the new tax law." - A blogger could write: "My blog aims to capture the voice of
a man in the street. " - During a product launch, a marketer might ask: "What would
a man in the streetthink of this price?" - It’s about getting a pulse on public sentiment. It’s not about scientific sampling. It’s more about a gut feeling. It's like asking your neighbors. What do they think about the new park?
When To Use It
Use it when you want to represent typical opinions. It's perfect for discussions about public sentiment. Think about everyday issues. Like local politics or consumer trends. It’s also great for contrasting viewpoints. For example, comparing expert advice with popular opinion. It adds a human element to discussions. It makes abstract ideas more concrete. It’s like saying, 'let’s hear from everyone.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in highly technical discussions. Don't use it when you need expert opinions. For instance, in a medical diagnosis. Or a complex legal argument. It’s also not suitable for formal academic papers. Unless you are discussing the concept itself. It can sound dismissive of expertise. If you need precise data, this isn't it. It’s not about statistical accuracy. It's more about a general vibe. Don't use it if you're talking to actual royalty. They might feel a bit left out.
Common Mistakes
- ✗ 'The politician ignored the voice of a man on the street.' → ✓ 'The politician ignored the voice of
a man in the street.' - ✗ 'We surveyed a man in the street about the new app.' → ✓ 'We surveyed
a man in the streetabout the new app.' - The mistake is often grammatical. It's about using the article
acorrectly. Or understanding it as a collective noun. Sometimes people say 'a man from the street'. That's not quite right. It implies they came from the street itself. The phrase is about their status, not origin. It's a subtle but important difference. Like confusing 'affect' and 'effect'. Oops!
Similar Expressions
The man on the Clapham omnibus: A very similar British idiom. It also means an average person. It originated from London public transport.Average Joe: This is a more informal synonym. It's widely understood.Everyman: A literary term. It represents universal human experience.The common man: Similar, but can sometimes imply lower social class.The general public: More formal and broader. It covers everyone.
These all point to the non-specialist viewpoint. They capture the essence of everyday opinion. It's like having a whole toolbox of 'regular person' words.
Memory Trick
Picture someone walking down the street. They're not wearing a lab coat or a suit. Just regular clothes. They're probably thinking about lunch. Or their favorite TV show. That's a man in the street. They're just a regular person you might pass. It’s not about where they live. It’s about who they are: ordinary.
Quick FAQ
- Is it always a man? No, it's gender-neutral now. It refers to any ordinary person.
- Is it formal? Usually, it's neutral to informal. Not for very serious speeches.
- Does it mean someone poor? Not necessarily. It means common, not necessarily poor.
- Can I use it online? Yes, in blogs or social media comments. It fits informal contexts. It's like talking to friends online. About what 'people' think.
Usage Notes
This phrase is best used in neutral to informal contexts. While common in journalism and discussions about public opinion, avoid it in highly technical reports or formal academic writing where precision is key. Remember it's gender-neutral and refers to the perspective, not a literal person on the street.
Think 'Average Person'
Whenever you see or use `a man in the street`, mentally substitute 'the average person' or 'regular folks'. This helps nail the meaning instantly.
Avoid Literal Interpretation!
Don't get stuck on the 'man' part. It's gender-neutral! Also, it doesn't mean someone literally plucked from a sidewalk. It's about their status as a non-expert.
Journalism's Voice
This phrase became popular because early journalists wanted to show they represented everyone, not just the elite. It's a nod to democratic ideals in media.
Use for Contrast
It's super effective when you want to highlight a difference. Like, 'The scientists say X, but `a man in the street` probably thinks Y.' It creates a clear comparison.
Examples
12I think `a man in the street` would be confused by all those technical terms they used.
I think an ordinary person would be confused by all those technical terms they used.
Highlights how the average person might not understand jargon.
Capturing the essence of `a man in the street` in Tokyo. Every face tells a story.
Capturing the essence of an ordinary person in Tokyo. Every face tells a story.
Uses the phrase poetically to refer to the subjects of the photos.
Our strategy needs to consider the perspective of `a man in the street`, not just industry analysts.
Our strategy needs to consider the perspective of an ordinary person, not just industry analysts.
Emphasizes the need for broad consumer appeal over niche expert opinion.
The critics loved it, but what does `a man in the street` think? Did they enjoy the plot?
The critics loved it, but what does an ordinary person think? Did they enjoy the plot?
Questions whether the general audience connected with the film, despite critical acclaim.
Honestly, I don't get all the hype around that new gadget. `A man in the street` probably just wants something that works.
Honestly, I don't get all the hype around that new gadget. An ordinary person probably just wants something that works.
Expresses a down-to-earth opinion, contrasting with consumer fads.
They say it's for the best, but I wonder if `a man in the street` feels like they're being listened to.
They say it's for the best, but I wonder if an ordinary person feels like they're being listened to.
Expresses concern about public perception and whether the policy resonates with everyday people.
This manual is so complex, I think even `a man in the street` could build a rocket faster than assembling this bookshelf.
This manual is so complex, I think even an ordinary person could build a rocket faster than assembling this bookshelf.
Uses hyperbole for humorous effect, emphasizing the manual's difficulty.
It’s important that campaigns like this reach `a man in the street`, making them aware of the risks.
It’s important that campaigns like this reach an ordinary person, making them aware of the risks.
Highlights the need for public information to be accessible and understandable to everyone.
✗ The CEO addressed the concerns of a man in the street during the press conference.
The CEO addressed the concerns of an ordinary person during the press conference.
This sounds slightly awkward and informal for a CEO's statement; 'the general public' or 'the public' would be better.
✗ We need to ask the man in the street what he thinks about the new law.
We need to ask the ordinary person what they think about the new law.
While understandable, 'a man in the street' is typically used as a concept, not a direct address. Also, it's gender-neutral now.
Walking through these markets, you really get a feel for `a man in the street`'s daily life here.
Walking through these markets, you really get a feel for an ordinary person's daily life here.
Connects the phrase to observing everyday routines in a foreign culture.
Tech reviewers say it's revolutionary, but `a man in the street` might just find it overpriced.
Tech reviewers say it's revolutionary, but an ordinary person might just find it overpriced.
Contrasts expert opinion (revolutionary) with a common consumer reaction (overpriced).
Test Yourself
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence best captures the meaning of 'a man in the street'?
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to an ordinary person's perspective, not someone's clothing style or a literal description of someone found on the street.
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
'A man in the street' represents the average citizen whose opinions are often considered in politics.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The idiom is 'a man in the street', referring to an unspecified ordinary person, not a specific person on the street.
Translate the sentence into English.
The French phrase 'un homme dans la rue' directly translates to 'a man in the street' and carries the same meaning of an average person's opinion.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence demonstrates the correct usage of 'a man in the street'?
The phrase is used to refer to the opinions or reactions of ordinary people, often in the context of surveys or public opinion.
Fill in the blank with the most appropriate option.
This phrase fits perfectly when describing a perspective focused on the everyday experiences of ordinary people.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'ignores the man in the street' is understandable, adding 'voice of' makes it clearer that it refers to their opinion or perspective, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This is the standard form of the idiom 'a man in the street', often used conceptually.
Translate the sentence into English.
While a literal translation works, the English idiom 'a man in the street' or 'the voice of the street' captures the intended meaning of representing the general public's opinion.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which option correctly uses 'a man in the street'?
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to the perspective of an ordinary person. Options 2 and 4 are too dismissive or specific, and option 1 is grammatically awkward; option 3 correctly implies gathering feedback from average consumers.
Fill in the blank to complete the sentence.
This phrase is ideal for contrasting the opinion of experts or critics with that of the general audience.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to a perspective or opinion. Simply including 'a man' doesn't convey the idiomatic meaning; specifying 'input from' clarifies that it's about their viewpoint.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'A Man in the Street'
Used casually in chats, social media comments.
LOL, yeah, a man in the street probably wouldn't get that meme.
Common in everyday conversation, blogs, casual articles.
The new policy might confuse a man in the street.
Acceptable in most general contexts, including news reporting.
The survey aimed to capture the views of a man in the street.
Generally avoided in highly formal writing or speeches.
While experts advise X, the perspective of a man in the street suggests Y.
Where You'll Hear 'A Man in the Street'
News Reporting
We asked a man in the street about the election.
Marketing
Does this ad appeal to a man in the street?
Casual Conversation
I don't get it, maybe I'm just a man in the street.
Social Media
What does a man in the street think of this trend?
Product Reviews
Critics loved it, but a man in the street found it boring.
Political Commentary
The policy ignores the concerns of a man in the street.
Comparing 'A Man in the Street' with Similar Phrases
Categorizing Usage Scenarios
Public Opinion
- • Gauging reaction to a new law
- • Understanding consumer trends
- • Assessing political sentiment
Contrast with Expertise
- • Expert advice vs. popular belief
- • Technical jargon vs. simple understanding
- • Academic theory vs. real-world application
Everyday Life
- • Observing daily routines
- • Relatable experiences
- • Common sense viewpoint
Media Context
- • News interviews
- • Documentary subjects
- • Blog commentary
Practice Bank
12 exercisesWhich sentence best captures the meaning of 'a man in the street'?
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to an ordinary person's perspective, not someone's clothing style or a literal description of someone found on the street.
The politician promised to listen to the concerns of ___ when making decisions.
'A man in the street' represents the average citizen whose opinions are often considered in politics.
Find and fix the mistake:
The journalist asked the man on the street for his opinion on the election.
The idiom is 'a man in the street', referring to an unspecified ordinary person, not a specific person on the street.
Ce n'est pas l'avis d'un expert, mais celui d'un homme dans la rue.
Hints: Consider the common English idiom for 'homme dans la rue'., The phrase refers to an average person's viewpoint.
The French phrase 'un homme dans la rue' directly translates to 'a man in the street' and carries the same meaning of an average person's opinion.
Which sentence demonstrates the correct usage of 'a man in the street'?
The phrase is used to refer to the opinions or reactions of ordinary people, often in the context of surveys or public opinion.
The documentary aimed to show the world through the eyes of ___.
This phrase fits perfectly when describing a perspective focused on the everyday experiences of ordinary people.
Find and fix the mistake:
The company ignores the man in the street when making decisions.
While 'ignores the man in the street' is understandable, adding 'voice of' makes it clearer that it refers to their opinion or perspective, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This is the standard form of the idiom 'a man in the street', often used conceptually.
Die Meinungen von der Straße sind oft entscheidend.
Hints: Think about how 'die Straße' can represent the general populace., Consider the English idiom that means 'the average person'.
While a literal translation works, the English idiom 'a man in the street' or 'the voice of the street' captures the intended meaning of representing the general public's opinion.
Which option correctly uses 'a man in the street'?
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to the perspective of an ordinary person. Options 2 and 4 are too dismissive or specific, and option 1 is grammatically awkward; option 3 correctly implies gathering feedback from average consumers.
Unlike the critics, the movie truly resonated with ___.
This phrase is ideal for contrasting the opinion of experts or critics with that of the general audience.
Find and fix the mistake:
The focus group included a man in the street.
The phrase 'a man in the street' refers to a perspective or opinion. Simply including 'a man' doesn't convey the idiomatic meaning; specifying 'input from' clarifies that it's about their viewpoint.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
20 questionsIt refers to an ordinary person, someone who isn't an expert or in a position of authority. Think of them as the average citizen whose opinions represent the general public's viewpoint.
No, absolutely not! The phrase is gender-neutral. It refers to any average person, regardless of gender. It's a historical term that has evolved to be inclusive.
Sure! You could say, 'The politician's speech was full of jargon that a man in the street probably wouldn't understand.' This highlights the gap between expert language and everyday comprehension.
Use it when you want to talk about the opinions or perspective of the average person. It's great for discussing public sentiment, marketing strategies, or contrasting common views with expert analysis.
Yes, avoid it in highly technical or academic contexts where specific expertise is crucial. It can also sound dismissive if used inappropriately. It's generally not for very formal speeches unless you're specifically discussing public opinion.
An 'expert' has specialized knowledge and authority in a specific field. 'A man in the street' represents the common person without that specialized knowledge, offering a perspective based on everyday experience and general understanding.
It's generally considered neutral to informal. While you might see it in news articles, it's not typically used in very formal academic papers or highly official documents. Think of it as suitable for most everyday and semi-formal communication.
Similar phrases include 'the average Joe,' 'the common man,' 'everyman,' or 'the general public.' 'The man on the Clapham omnibus' is a British equivalent. Each has slightly different nuances in formality and context.
Not necessarily. While it contrasts with experts, it doesn't inherently mean ordinary people are wrong or uninformed. It simply highlights their perspective as different from that of specialists. It can be used neutrally or even respectfully.
Yes, definitely! It fits well in informal contexts like social media comments, blog posts, or captions. For example: 'Does this new trend make sense to a man in the street? #PublicOpinion'.
It likely originated in journalism during the late 19th or early 20th century. Reporters used it to signify interviewing random people on the street to gauge public opinion, contrasting it with official statements.
The phrase itself is considered gender-neutral today, referring to any average person. However, historically, you might have heard variations like 'a woman in the street,' though 'a man in the street' became the standard idiom.
A common mistake is using 'the man in the street' as if addressing someone directly, or thinking it refers to someone literally found on the street. Remember, it's a conceptual term for the average person's viewpoint.
'The public' is a broader term encompassing everyone. 'A man in the street' often implies a specific *type* of public opinion – the non-expert, everyday view, often used when contrasting it with expert opinions.
Yes, it can sometimes be used dismissively by experts who feel their specialized knowledge is being ignored in favor of simplistic public opinion. However, it's more often used neutrally or to advocate for considering the common person's view.
Yes, very much so! A 'man on the street interview' is a journalistic technique where reporters ask random people for their opinions. The phrase 'a man in the street' reflects the collective idea of those interviewed.
The vibe is generally grounded and relatable. It suggests practicality, common sense, and a perspective untainted by specialized jargon or complex theories. It’s the voice of 'regular folks'.
Not necessarily. It implies a lack of *specialized* education or professional expertise in a particular field being discussed. An educated person can still be 'a man in the street' if they're giving an opinion outside their area of expertise.
Google Translate might give a literal translation like 'un hombre en la calle' (Spanish) or 'un homme dans la rue' (French). While accurate literally, it might miss the idiomatic nuance that 'a man in the street' signifies 'an average person's opinion'.
Absolutely! You can say things like, 'Imagine a new product launch. What would a man in the street think about the price?' It's perfectly suited for exploring hypothetical public reactions.
Related Phrases
the average Joe
synonymAn ordinary, average person.
Both phrases refer to a typical person, but 'average Joe' is more informal and colloquial than 'a man in the street'.
the man on the Clapham omnibus
synonymAn ordinary person, representing the average citizen's opinion (British English).
This British idiom serves the exact same purpose as 'a man in the street,' originating from the idea of common passengers on public transport.
expert
antonymA person with special skills or knowledge in a particular field.
'A man in the street' is defined by *not* being an expert; the two terms represent contrasting viewpoints.
the general public
related topicThe population as a whole.
While 'a man in the street' represents a segment of the general public, 'general public' is a broader term not necessarily focused on the non-expert perspective.
everyman
synonymAn ordinary person, representing typical human experiences.
Similar to 'a man in the street,' 'everyman' signifies the common person, often used in literature or philosophy to represent universal human traits.
layperson
related topicA person who does not have expert knowledge in a particular subject.
This term directly defines someone who is *not* an expert, aligning closely with the concept behind 'a man in the street'.
