man-to-man—(usually attrib.) said of a talk, discussion, etc., characterized by directness and openness:
- “We had a man-to-man about changing his personal life,” Harmon said. “I told him to look in the mirror to see the guy who’s causing all the problems.”
person-to-person—(attrib.)
1. is used of an operator assisted phone call in which the caller wants to speak to a specific person (callers are not charged unless they reach the party they ask for):
- Say that you are placing a person-to-person call and give the name of the person to whom you wish to speak.
2. said of an interaction involving personal or intimate contact between people:
- This project works to end intractable conflicts around the world through new and innovative person to person diplomacy.