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

“The answer for them right now is that they have to be in China to stay close to the innovation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The line protected Johnson when he needed the time, and Centennial had no answer for Mosley.

From Los Angeles Times

So while the police can sometimes take down big operations, we shouldn't look to the police as the strategic answer for this.

From BBC

"Our investigation also concluded there is a misconduct case to answer for a Sergeant and Chief Inspector over their supervision and review of the domestic abuse investigation and associated risk assessment for Ms Brella."

From BBC

"We have zero tolerance for violence, and we will do all we can to get answers for the loved ones of both victims."

From BBC