answer for

answer for

1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see answer,‎ for.

   I don't know the answer to that, so I'm going to let my lawyer answer for me.

2. (transitive or intransitive) To be held responsible for; to take the blame for something.

   The mayor wil be answering for his crimes for many years.

   • 2007 September, Wilson D Miscamble, “The Faculty 'Problem'”, in America, volume 197, number 6, page 26:

     Duffy dared to think that Queen Elizabeth I has a few things for which to answer

3. (transitive) To guarantee.

   I will answer for his debt, if he can't pay on the day.

4. (transitive) To vouch for (someone); to attest to the character of (someone).

   She's known me for years, and she's always answered for me!

• The verb and particle are usually not separated.

• forewarns