answer for

British  

verb

1. to be liable or responsible for (a person's actions, behaviour, etc)

2. to vouch for or speak on behalf of (a person)

3. to suffer or atone for (one's wrongdoing)

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answer for Idioms  

1. Take responsibility for, take charge of, as in The new alarm system has to answer for the security of the grounds . [Late 1200s]

2. Take the blame for, as in The kids who were caught shoplifting have a lot to answer for . [c. 1200]

3. To vouch for or sponsor someone, as in I'll answer for John as a reliable employee . [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

Reedy said felt compelled to corner the mayor and police chief at the MLK parade because it was the only way to get them to answer for the department’s actions.

From Los Angeles Times

The Church has already decided that there is no case to answer for the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

From BBC

“My answer for today is no. But I’ll think about it.”

From Literature

That’s a long answer for a three-sentence letter, but I hope it gives you perspective on the possibilities and pitfalls that await.

From MarketWatch

The report found there was a case to answer for.

From BBC