# different drummer

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/different-drummer
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Someone or something that implies individuality, originality, or nonconformity.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.