answer to

Idioms  

1. Explain or justify something to someone, as in If Mary doesn't help us finish this project, she'll have to answer to the boss. This expression was at first used mainly for replying to legal charges. [c. a.d. 950]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

answer to

That, I think, is the answer to your question.

From Slate ● Sep. 11, 2026

"The answer to these questions is not to be found in Morocco, but rather with the relevant Spanish stakeholders," the ministry said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

The only players currently under contract for next year are outfielder Mike Trout — the Angels’ answer to Musial — and pitcher Yusei Kikuchi.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026

In most cases, insurers don’t answer to federal regulators, because Congress largely leaves insurance to the states.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

I ask, but as I do I notice that the nameplate beside Mr. Harris’s door no longer says “Mr. George Harris,” and the devastating answer to her presence in the hallway becomes clear.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam