answer for
verb (intr, preposition)
to be liable or responsible for (a person's actions, behaviour, etc)
to vouch for or speak on behalf of (a person)
to suffer or atone for (one's wrongdoing)
QUIZZES
DISCOVER THE INFLUENCE OF PORTUGUESE ON ENGLISH VIA THIS QUIZ!
We’ve gathered some interesting words donated to English from Portuguese … as well as some that just don’t translate at all. Do you know what they mean?
Question 1 of 11
Which of the following animal names traces its immediate origin to Portuguese?
Words nearby answer for
Ansonia, anstoss, answer, answerable, answerback, answer for, answering machine, answering pennant, answering service, answer print, answer to
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Idioms and Phrases with answer for
answer for
Take responsibility for, take charge of, as in The new alarm system has to answer for the security of the grounds. [Late 1200s]
Take the blame for, as in The kids who were caught shoplifting have a lot to answer for. [c. 1200]
To vouch for or sponsor someone, as in I'll answer for John as a reliable employee. [Early 1700s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.