What is the meaning of the phrase ‘to each their own’?
Everyone has a right to their own opinion. We can accept that people have different tastes and preferences.
What is the origin of the phrase ‘to each their own’?
We know that the phrase ‘to each his own’ is an old one because it appears in Shakespeare play Hamlet, published in 1623, where the character Polonius says; ‘to each his own, but to thine own self be true, this must follow as night the day, thou canst be false to any man’.
Prior to its use in the English language, the phrase also existed in Latin, specifically as ‘suum cuique’.
How do you use the phrase ‘to each their own’?
The phrase can be spoken or written as ‘to each their own’ or ‘to each his own’, ‘to each their own’ or even ‘each to his own’. The phrase is typically spoken when someone’s preference is surprising and different from your own. So long as you accept that the other person has a right to their own opinion and preferences.
The phrase ‘to each his own’ also has its equivalent in several different languages, including French, Japanese, and Portuguese.
There are also several other phrases in the English language which carry the same meaning but are spoken and written differently. They are as follows: ‘One man’s food is another man’s poison,’ ‘Different strokes for different folks,’ and ‘Whatever floats your boat.’
The phrase and its many variations are often used in everyday conversation. Modern discussions with this sentiment can be found in the rhetoric surrounding freedom of religion and the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘to each their own’?
In addition to its frequent appearance in English literature, the phrase ‘to each their own’ and its many variations have also frequented popular TV shows.
Furthermore, the iconic heavy metal band Iron Maiden released the song ‘To Each His Own’ in 2006 as part of their album A Matter of Life and Death. The song addresses individual choices and the human condition, emphasising that everyone walks their own path in life, even if those choices lead to dark places.
There is even a film called ‘To Each His Own’, a classic Hollywood film released in 1946. The film tells the story of a young woman who gives up her illegitimate child and later becomes successful, but still longs for the son she gave up. The film reflects the theme of making personal choices and living with the consequences, with the title suggesting the acceptance of individual circumstances.
