Separate/sort out the men from the boys
phrase
To distinguish people who are experienced or talented from those who are not.
The difficult project will separate the men from the boys in our team.
Often appears as...
- it's time to separate the men from the boys
- this challenge will separate the men from the boys
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To distinguish people who are experienced or talented from those who are not.
The difficult project will separate the men from the boys in our team.
Often appears as...
- it's time to separate the men from the boys
- this challenge will separate the men from the boys
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Real-world Test
Often used when a situation is challenging enough to test a person's abilities or maturity.
Surviving in the wilderness will separate the men from the boys.
Pro Tip 2/3Experience Highlight
Emphasizes the difference between those who can handle tough situations due to experience or skill.
In a crisis, you really separate the men from the boys.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Misuse
The phrase can seem sexist or outdated. It's important to be sensitive to gender inclusivity when using it.
This phrase is tricky; you don't want to separate the men from the boys in a gender-neutral office environment.
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