little man

IPA/lˈɪtəl mˈan/
IPA/lˈɪɾəl mˈæn/

little man — idiom

1. an informal way of referring to the average person in society, especially when c

1.慣用語B1
釋義

an informal way of referring to the average person in society, especially when comparing them with people who are rich, powerful, or influential

例句

New zoning laws help big developers but push the little man out of the city.

contrast: the little man vs big developers

Kwame argued that the little man deserves better access to affordable healthcare.

the little man as subject of deserves

同義詞
反義詞
  • the elite

    the powerful or wealthy minority that 'the little man' is contrasted with

  • the rich

    the opposite end of the economic spectrum

文法句型

the little man (as subject)

the little man (as object)

for the little man

protect/help/fight for the little man

用法筆記

Usually appears with the definite article 'the'. Common in political or social commentary contexts where the speaker contrasts ordinary citizens with powerful institutions or wealthy individuals.

常見錯誤

❌He is a little man who lives next door.' (when meaning an ordinary person)
✅He is the little man who lives next door.
💡the idiomatic sense requires 'the', not 'a'.
❌The little man is a nice person.' (vague)
✅The little man deserves a fair chance at a good life.
💡the phrase is most natural in social-commentary contexts, not for describing a specific individual's character.