answer for

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Explanation of "Answer For"

Definition: The phrase "answer for" means to take responsibility for something or to explain why something happened, especially if it is negative or problematic.

Usage Instructions

• Use "answer for" when you want to talk about being accountable for your actions or the actions of others.
• It often implies that there might be consequences for what you have to explain or justify.

Examples

1. Simple Example:

   • "If you break something, you need to answer for it."
   • This means that if you break something, you have to take responsibility and explain what happened.

2. More Complex Example:

   • "The manager had to answer for the team's poor performance in the last project."
   • Here, the manager is responsible for explaining why the team did not do well.

Advanced Usage

• In a legal or formal context, "answer for" can mean to be held accountable in court or to face consequences for one’s actions.
  • Example: "The defendant had to answer for his actions in front of the judge."

Word Variants

• Answerable (adjective): Being responsible or accountable for something.

  • Example: "As a leader, you are answerable for your team's decisions."

• Answerability (noun): The quality of being accountable.

  • Example: "There is a strong sense of answerability in this organization."

Different Meanings

While "answer for" primarily means to take responsibility, in some contexts, it can also refer to giving a justification or explanation for one's actions or decisions.

Synonyms

• Be accountable for
• Justify
• Explain
• Take responsibility for

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Face the music: To confront the consequences of one's actions.

  • Example: "He knew he had to face the music after failing the exam."

• Own up to: To admit to something you have done wrong.

  • Example: "She finally owned up to her mistake."

Summary

"Answer for" is an important phrase in English that emphasizes responsibility and accountability. It can be used in everyday situations as well as in formal contexts, making it a versatile expression.

Academic

Verb

1. furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
   • I can't account for the missing money

Synonyms

• account