cover for

1. Also, cover up for . Conceal a wrongdoing or wrongdoer, as in Bill was supposed to be on duty but went to a ballgame and Alan agreed to cover for him or I covered up for my friend when her mother called to find out where she was . [1960s] Also see cover up , def. 2.

2. Substitute for someone, act on someone's behalf, as in Mary was asked to cover for Joe while he was on jury duty . [c. 1970]

3. cover for something . Provide protection against some hazard, as in This policy covers the house for fire but not for theft . This idiom employs the verb to cover in the sense of “protect” or “shield,” a usage dating from the 13th century.

Example Sentences

Those moments could be invaluable as the Dodgers enter the playoffs, giving Roberts a level of confidence to push his likely Game 1 starter and cover for what has been an unreliable bullpen.

From Los Angeles Times

Will Jacks' inclusion as the cover for Shoaib Bashir perhaps reveals the part, or lack of it, spin will play in the series.

From BBC

For example, a company can get cover for kidnappings and ransoms, treating serious injuries, or the cost of dealing with an "active assailant" situation.

From BBC

The 117-million-gallon water storage complex had been closed for repairs to its cover for nearly a year, officials said.

From Los Angeles Times

Wales' response to two "devastating" winter storms exposed "critical gaps" in emergency payments and insurance cover for victims, a review has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• advocate 
• argue 
• assert 
• back 
• champion 
• endorse 
• explain 
• guarantee 
• justify 
• maintain 
• stand by 
• support 
• uphold