“To each their own”: Meaning & Usage + Examples [2025]

“To each their own” is a way of saying that everyone has their own preferences, and that’s okay, even if you don’t personally agree. It’s often used to express respect for other people’s choices without judgment. Simple, honest, and a good reminder that we don’t all have to like the same things.

Ever found yourself biting your tongue when someone raves about a hobby, style, or opinion you just can’t relate to?

Some ideas hit a nerve, not because they’re wrong, but because they’re just not for you.

Some concepts, like pineapple on pizza or the sudden popularity of ice baths among certain individuals, only serve to provoke discussion.

You either love them or can’t stand them! There’s no in-between.

In situations like this, you Don’t have to say anything harsh or offensive to show your dislike.

These habits or preferences are not harmful to anyone, it’s just a matter of taste.

And people have different tastes.

So the best thing to do is to smile and say “to each their own.”

This simple expression is more than just a way to avoid an argument.

It’s a gentle hint at individuality, respect for personal choice, and the reality that people don’t see things the same way and that’s ok!

This expression is used to keep the peace, express respect for differences, or just politely move on from a conversation that doesn’t quite click.

What does “to each their own mean”?

If you look up this expression, you will see this definition:

Used to say that everyone likes different things.

Let’s elaborate with a real-life example.

Let’s say you’re talking to someone about their morning routine, and they proudly tell you they wake up at 4:30 a.m. every day to journal, stretch, and make a healthy protein shake.

Meanwhile, you’re barely functional before 10, and consider a face wash your only morning ritual.

You nod, half-impressed, half-baffled, but instead of questioning their life choices, you just smile and say, “To each their own.”

No need to debate it.

What works for them doesn’t have to work for you.

That’s the whole point of the phrase.

“To each their own” is a simple, respectful way to acknowledge that people are different, and that’s okay.

It helps you step back from judgment or confusion and just let things be.

It doesn’t mean you agree or approve; it just means you understand that not everything is meant for everyone.

 

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Why we say it, and what it says about us

“to each, their own” is not just a polite shrug or a quick way to say, “Whatever floats your boat.

There’s more to it than that.

It subconsciously communicates something thoughtful.

That is the idea that we can accept and respect another person’s choices, even when we would never make the same ones for ourselves.

By saying it, You’re not really saying, “Hey, I’m into that too,” or even, “Yeah, I totally get it.”

Honestly, you probably don’t even get it.

But what you are saying is, “That’s your thing—and hey, no judgment.”

Whether it’s someone’s taste in food, their 16-step skincare routine, their obsession with pop culture, or the people they choose to date, this phrase lets you step back, smile, and disagree without the drama.

At first glance, this phrase might sound weird as “each” is singular and “their” is plural.

You might have heard the older version “to each his own.)

As language has evolved to be more inclusive and flexible, we no longer use “he/him” as a gender-neutral pronoun.

Instead, we use they/them pronouns, which refer to a person without assuming gender.

As mentioned before you use this phrase when someone’s doing something you don’t quite get.

But you should be careful with this phrase as it can’t be used in every situation.

If someone’s sharing a harmful belief or dangerous behavior, saying this sentence would not be the right thing.

For example, if someone is telling you about their suicidal thoughts or plans, the last thing you should say to them is, “To each their own!”

Where it came from and how it changed over time

The expression “to each their own” actually traces back to an old Latin phrase: suum cuique, which means “to each his own.”

The original Latin phrase was a common saying in ancient Rome, used to express the idea that everyone deserves or prefers something different, and that’s just the way things are.

While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment this phrase made its way into everyday English, we do know that it’s been around for centuries.

One of the earliest known uses appears in the works of Shakespeare.

In Hamlet (not Macbeth, as some mistakenly believe), the character Polonius delivers a version of the phrase, which highlights its presence in English literature as far back as the early 1600s.

Over time, the phrase evolved, not just in usage, but in form.

What was once “to each his own” gradually shifted into the more modern, inclusive gender-neutral version we use today: “to each their own.”

Many languages have their own versions of “to each their own.”

In French, “chacun ses goûts” means “everyone has their tastes.”

The Spanish say, “Sobre gustos no hay nada escrito,” or “There’s nothing written about taste.”

German has “jedem das Seine” (“to each his own”), though it’s avoided in casual use due to its dark association with World War II.

In terms of usage frequency, The phrase “to each their own” is most commonly and comfortably used in English-speaking cultures, especially in the United States.

Americans often value personal freedom and individual choice more than other nations, and this phrase fits naturally into everyday conversation.

Whereas, for instance In Persian, the idea is expressed, but often in more descriptive or conversational ways rather than a fixed idiom.

In many Asian cultures like Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, there’s no direct, commonly used equivalent to “to each their own.”

While similar ideas exist, they’re less emphasized due to a stronger focus on harmony and group values over individual preference in traditional Asian culture.

 

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Other ways to say it without losing the meaning

There’s more than one way to say ‘to each their own.’

Here are some other fun and common phrases people use to get the same point across.

They are divided into two categories: positive and negative” in terms of meaning.

Positive / Neutral Tone

1. You do you – Very casual and modern way of saying “follow your own path.”

2. Different strokes for different folks – Everyone has their own tastes or ways.

3. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – What someone loves, others might not—but that’s okay.

4. Each to their own – A British variant, same meaning as the main phrase.

5. Whatever works for you – Neutral and supportive way of respecting someone’s choice.

6. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – What’s unappealing to you might be perfect for someone else.

7. Let them be – Simple phrase to express letting others live as they choose.

8. Live and let live – Respect others’ choices and let them be.

9. Everyone dances to their own beat – More poetic version of embracing individuality.

10. Whatever floats your boat – Playful way to say “if it makes you happy, go for it.”

11. It takes all sorts (to make a world) – British expression meaning the world is full of different people.

12. Different people, different tastes – Literal and easy way to express the same idea.

Potentially Negative / Sarcastic Tone

13. Not my cup of tea, but hey… – Soft disagreement while acknowledging preference.

14. To each his/her own – The older form, sometimes feels distancing or dismissive today.

15. Suit yourself – Can be neutral but often has a passive-aggressive or sarcastic tone.

As you can see, a single opinion can be expressed in various ways.

Before you throw one of these phrases into a conversation, it helps to really get the vibe of the situation.

A lot depends on your tone and timing.

Used right, they’re friendly and easygoing; used wrong, they might come off the wrong way. So analyze the situation and choose the right one for your intended purpose.

 

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Examples

This phrase isn’t just for disagreement; it pops up in small, everyday situations, too.

Whether it’s about taste in music, food choices, or quirky habits, “to each their own” is a kind way to acknowledge differences without making it a big deal.

Here are 25 real-life moments where it says exactly what needs to be said.

1.Cold showers every morning might sound like torture to most people, but for some, it’s the ultimate wake-up. To each their own.

2.A wall full of rubber ducks in themed costumes? Odd to some, charming to others. To each their own.

3.Pickles dipped in peanut butter? That snack might horrify some, but someone out there calls it gourmet. To each their own.

4.Falling asleep to true crime podcasts or conspiracy videos on youtube doesn’t appeal to everyone, but for others, it’s oddly soothing. To each their own.

5.Mowing the lawn as a form of meditation might raise eyebrows, but if it brings someone peace, then to each their own.

6.Wearing the same color scheme every single day—black, grey, and white—may seem dull, but some love the simplicity. To each their own.

7.Watching videos with the sound off and reading subs? Unusual, maybe, but if it works, to each their own.

8.Rainy days over sunshine is a controversial favorite, but if clouds inspire joy, who are we to judge? To each their own.

9.Spending all weekend building a Lego city isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, but for a builder at heart, to each their own.

10.Working out barefoot in a gym might seem risky, but there are fans of the practice. To each their own.

11.Black coffee with lemon—yes, lemon—might get some odd looks, but hey, to each their own.

12.Choosing to go to the movies alone is seen as sad by some and liberating by others. To each their own.

13.Waking up at 4 a.m. to journal and stretch while the rest of the world sleeps? That’s someone’s bliss. To each their own.

14.Painting all the walls neon green might not appeal to many, but if it makes someone smile, to each their own.

15.Eating boiled chicken and rice every single day isn’t ideal, but some love the routine. To each their own.

16.Living happily without any social media might seem impossible to some—but others live their best lives offline. To each their own.

17.Getting a neck tattoo of a beloved cat’s paw print? For some, it’s personal and perfect. To each their own.

18.Skipping to the last chapter of every book might seem like a crime to literature lovers, but if it helps someone enjoy the story, to each their own.

19.Debating pineapple on pizza never ends well, but honestly, to each their own.

20.Loving the smell of gasoline is baffling to most, but it’s a favorite for a few. To each their own.

21.Listening to nothing but country music—no matter the mood—might be too much for some ears but to each their own.

22.Preferring handwritten planners to digital ones in 2025 seems outdated, but for some, it’s still the way to go. To each their own.

23.Trimming trees for hours takes serious patience, but for those who find peace in it, to each their own.

24.Swearing off microwaves entirely might sound like a hassle, but if it fits someone’s beliefs or lifestyle, to each their own.

25.Filling a whole room with antique radios seems excessive to most, but for a passionate collector, to each their own.