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

England's sloppiness was compounded by the fact Spain produced one of their best performances to date and Wiegman could not come up with an answer for it.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Paul Celan performed one of the 20th century’s strangest acts of literary fidelity: He remained true to German by forcing it to answer for what had been done in its name.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Conners said hybrid long-term-care policies may be an answer for some clients who are now in their 40s, 50s and 60s to help protect against future care costs.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

But for me, it’s a way to get them in the room and answer for what they’re doing.

From Slate • May 19, 2026

Anthony came up with a more complete answer for a later interviewer.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling