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Translation

fend for

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The phrase "fend for" is primarily used in the context of taking care of oneself or providing for oneself without help from others. It often implies a degree of struggle or effort to manage on one’s own.

Explanation:
  • Meaning: To "fend for" yourself means to take care of your own needs, especially when you are alone or without support. This can include finding food, shelter, and other necessities.
Usage Instructions:
  • Use "fend for" with "yourself" to indicate that someone is managing on their own. You can also use it with other subjects, like "he" or "they," depending on who is being referred to.
Example:
  • "After her parents moved away, she had to learn to fend for herself."
  • "When the kids grow up, they need to fend for themselves and make their own decisions."
Advanced Usage:
  • In more advanced contexts, you might see "fend for" used in discussions about independence and self-sufficiency, often in relation to personal growth or resilience.
Word Variants:
  • Fending: The present participle form, often used in phrases like "fending for oneself."
  • Fended: The past tense form, as in "He fended for himself after his family left."
Different Meanings:
  • While "fend for" primarily means to take care of oneself, it can also have a slightly different meaning when you say "fend off," which means to defend against something unwanted or harmful. For example, "He had to fend off the questions about his private life."
Synonyms:
  • Take care of oneself
  • Provide for oneself
  • Manage alone
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • Fend off: To ward off or defend against something. For example, "She had to fend off the mosquitoes while camping."
  • Stand on one's own two feet: This idiom means to be independent and self-sufficient.
Summary:

"Fend for" is about taking care of yourself when no one else is there to help. It's an important skill and can show growth, maturity, and resilience.

Verb
  1. argue or speak in defense of
    • She supported the motion to strike

Synonyms

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