“To each their own” is a common idiom, but what does it mean? It’s a way of saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinion or personal preferences, even if you disagree with it. Keep reading to learn more about this idiom and how to use it.
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What Does “To Each Their Own” Mean?
“To each their own” is the English translation of the Latin “suum cuique.” No one knows when it became popular in English. Contrary to many internet search results, though, it did not originate with Shakespeare. Some think it came from “To thine own self be true” from Hamlet, but it didn’t.
“To each their own” is an idiom indicating acceptance of different preferences. Frequently, it conveys disagreement with that view but respect for it.
Example sentences:
- I like my fries salted but to each their own.
- I’d go with blue but to each their own.
- To each their own, but I’d buy a Toyota.
- That’s weird to me, but hey, to each their own.
- Dad, to each their own; I’m making my own choice.
- Ketchup on a hot dog. Well, to each their own.
- I prefer my eggs scrambled, but to each their own.
Example conversations:
You: Why order chicken in a steakhouse?
Your friend: That’s how I roll. To each their own, right?You: I want to buy a luxury car.
Your friend: Eh, I prefer something cheaper. A car is a way to get from one place to another. But to each their own.You: I love movies with surprise endings!
Your friend: I find them a little gimmicky but to each their own.Synonyms
Overusing a word or phrase can reduce its effectiveness or become boring. If you’re looking for alternatives for “to each their own,” you can use these:
- Whatever floats your boat
- Different strokes for different folks
- People have different tastes
- That’s your choice
When and How to Use “To Each Their Own”?
As the examples show, “to each their own” can be part of a sentence or can stand on its own. It’s acceptable to use it in almost any situation– spoken, written, or online.
There’s something important to remember, though. The idiom is an acknowledgment of a person’s right to their opinion, but it also often implies disagreement. If you don’t want to sound judgy, be careful with your tone or to whom you say it.
“To Each Their Own” vs “To Each His Own”: Which One Is Correct?
“To each his own” is technically correct, but you’re more likely to see “to each their own.” However, it would be fine to use a gender-specific pronoun if the audience is of that gender. For instance, you could say “to each her own” to your sister.
Final Thoughts
“To each their own” is a common way of saying you accept and respect someone’s different opinion or own preferences. It’s translated from Latin and has been in use for hundreds of years. Often, it implies disagreement, so you should be careful about causing unintentional offense.
