third man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-LowSports (cricket) / Literary / Informal
Quick answer
What does “third man” mean?
In cricket, a fielder positioned on the off side, behind the wicketkeeper and fine of the slips, designed to stop runs from deflected edges.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In cricket, a fielder positioned on the off side, behind the wicketkeeper and fine of the slips, designed to stop runs from deflected edges.
More broadly, can refer to any third party who acts as an intermediary, witness, or additional participant in a situation, especially a secret one. Also the title of a famous Graham Greene novel and film noir.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The cricket sense is dominant and widely understood in British and Commonwealth English. In American English, it is primarily recognized as a literary/film title or in the general 'third party' sense.
Connotations
UK: Strong sports connotation. US: Stronger cultural connotation from the film, or neutral 'third party' sense.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK/Commonwealth contexts due to cricket.
Grammar
How to Use “third man” in a Sentence
[subject] fields at third man.[ball] runs away to third man for [number] runs.They brought in a third man to [purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third man” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The captain decided to third-man him for the final over.
- (Rare, but can be used as a verb in cricket tactics)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- He took a spectacular third-man catch.
- The third-man position is crucial.
American English
- The film's third-man theme is iconic.
- (Used attributively, not as a true adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could refer to an independent arbitrator or observer in negotiations.
Academic
Used in literary/film studies when discussing Greene's work or film noir tropes.
Everyday
In cricket-playing nations, common in sports talk. Elsewhere, understood as a 'third person' involved.
Technical
Primarily a cricket term with a specific fielding position on the map.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third man”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third man”
- Using 'third man' to mean simply 'third male person' in any context.
- Confusing it with 'third base' in baseball.
- Saying 'the third man' when 'a third man' is more natural for an unspecified participant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In cricket and general use, it is a traditional term for a position or role, not gender-specific. A woman can field at third man.
It's unusual. 'Third party' is the standard, neutral term. 'Third man' might sound informal or oddly specific.
It refers to the mysterious, seemingly deceased character Harry Lime, who is the 'third man' present at a fatal incident, beyond the two initially claimed witnesses.
Both are behind the wicket. 'Third man' is on the OFF side (behind the keeper/slips). 'Fine leg' is on the LEG side (behind the square leg/keeper).
In cricket, a fielder positioned on the off side, behind the wicketkeeper and fine of the slips, designed to stop runs from deflected edges.
Third man is usually sports (cricket) / literary / informal in register.
Third man: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd ˈmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɝːd ˈmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The third man in the room (a hidden influencer).”
- “Play the third man (act as an intermediary).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a triangle: BOWLER and BATSMAN are two points. The THIRD MAN is the fielder forming the third point, far behind them.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE UNSEEN INFLUENCE (The third man is often out of sight but can decisively affect the outcome).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'third man' a standard, technical term?