different drummer
Someone or something that implies individuality, originality, or nonconformity.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He marches to the beat of a different drummer.”
“She never follows the latest fashion trends because she prefers to march to the beat of a different drummer.”
“While his peers pursued traditional corporate careers, he marched to the beat of a different drummer, choosing instead to live as an artist in a remote village.”
- 01
built different
Able to do things which others cannot; extremely talented or unusual.
- 02
couldn't be more different
Two entities that have virtually nothing in common.
- 03
different breed of cat
Something entirely different; a whole other thing or matter.
- 04
horse of a different color
An unrelated or only incidentally related matter with distinctly different significance.
- 05
march to the beat of a different drum
To do things in one's own way regardless of societal norms and conventional expectations.
- 06
same, same, but different
Almost the same, but with some differences.
- 07
sing a different tune
To hold a different opinion or appreciation (about something); to possess a new, changed, or regenerated mindset, usually for the better.
- 08
tiger of a different stripe
Something entirely different; a whole other thing or matter.
Last updated August 10, 2026