answer purpose

answer (one's) purpose

To be useful for a particular task. If that's the only paintbrush we have, I think it will answer my purpose. What am I supposed to do with a broken umbrella? How will that answer my purpose in the pouring rain? I couldn't find any cotton rounds, but I do have some cotton balls, if that will answer your purpose.

See also: answer, purpose

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

answer someone's purpose

 and serve someone's purpose

to fit or suit someone's aim or goal. This piece of wood will answer my purpose quite nicely. The new car serves our purpose perfectly.

See also: answer, purpose

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.