How to Pronounce "separate the men from the boys"
expression
SEP-uh-rayt thuh MEN fruhm thuh BOYZ
SEP-uh-ruht thuh MEN frum thuh BOYZ
Definition
This is an idiom meaning to show who is truly strong, skilled, or capable in a difficult situation, as opposed to those who are not. It is often used when a test or challenge reveals who can really handle it.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsɛpɝˌeɪt/, /ˈsɛpɝɪt/, /ˈsɛpɹət/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmɛn/ /ˈfɹəm/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈbɔɪz
British English
ˈsɛpəɹət/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈɛn/ /fɹˈɒm/ /ðə, ði/ /bˈɔɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SEP-uh-rayt thuh MEN fruhm thuh BOYZ
UK
SEP-uh-ruht thuh MEN frum thuh BOYZ
Listen in Context
This hard exam will separate the men from the boys.
The coach said the championship would separate the men from the boys.
Working in the storm will separate the men from the boys.
It’s easy in practice, but the real game will separate the men from the boys.