address (oneself) to (someone or something)
address (oneself) to (someone or something)
1. To speak to a specific person or group at the exclusion of others. Right now, I'm only addressing myself to the graduating seniors. I'll talk to the other grades tomorrow.
2. To focus on a certain problem or situation. I needed to address myself to the burst pipe in my basement—that's why I didn't attend the dinner party.
See also: address
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
address oneself to someone
to speak directly to a particular person, rather than someone else. I did not address myself to you!
See also: address
address oneself to something
to turn one's complete attention to something, such as a problem or an issue. (See also address something to someone.) Please address yourself to these current, pressing problems.
See also: address
address something to someone
to write someone's name and address on an envelope, package, letter, etc. Gilbert addressed the envelope to Walter.
See also: address
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
address to
v.
1. To indicate that something is to be sent to someone or some place by writing an address on it: She addressed the letter to her brother.
2. To say something directly to some specific person or group: The school president addressed the speech to everyone who plans to graduate this year.
3. To focus someone on a problem in order to find a solution. Used reflexively: In the next meeting, the town officials will address themselves to the issue of privacy.
See also: address
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- address oneself to
- address to
- to oneself
- to yourself, himself, etc.
- you guys
- before you know it
- only have eyes for (something)
- only have eyes for something
- judge (one) on (one's) own merits
- judge one on own merits