little man
Americannoun
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the common or ordinary person.
-
Informal. the small, ordinary investor, as opposed to big investment institutions.
noun
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a man of no importance or significance
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a tradesman or artisan operating on a small scale
Etymology
Origin of little man
First recorded in 1930–35
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Afterward, Leah referred to Elisha as “a vain, pompous little man” and worried about his fascination with her teenage sister.
From Literature
“Our little man has returned to make good on your promise.”
From Literature
“Now, daughter, give the little man what you promised,” he said, his voice so oily it slithered.
From Literature
It seems like the end for the miller’s daughter, until a strange little man appears and offers to help—naturally, for a price.
Describing him as her "handsome little man", Tammy added: "I know it isn't a cure but it will give him a significantly better quality of life."
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
