declare (oneself) for (someone or something)
To pledge one's support to someone or something. A reflexive pronoun typically follows "declare." I declared myself for that candidate because I think she's the most qualified person for the job. Phil declared himself for that big construction project in our neighborhood because he's sick of driving five miles to the nearest store. I know the environmental damage that is going to come of their work, so I just cannot declare myself for it.
declare an/(one's) interest
To state financial interest in something. He was sure to declare his interest before we prepared his contract. You can declare an interest, sure, but if you had no part in writing the song, you're not going to get any royalties. You'll need to declare your interest to the higher-ups—I'm just the recruiting manager.
declare war
1. To officially announce the intention to fight against an enemy country or group in a war. We will have to declare war if the rebels advance over our border. If they do declare war, it could reshape the entire geopolitical landscape. With the way hostilities have been intensifying between these two groups, I wouldn't be surprised if they declared war on each other.
2. To announce the intention to vehemently oppose someone or something. This usage does not refer to physical fighting. The mayor has declared war on crime in our city and is bolstering our police force. The government can declare war on drugs, sure, but what actions is it going to take to address the drug problem? That's it, I'm declaring war on these blasted fidget spinners! They're no longer allowed in my classroom!
declare war against (someone or something)
1. To officially announce the intention to fight against an enemy country or group in a war. We will have to declare war against the rebels if they advance over our border. If they do declare war against Poland, it could reshape the entire geopolitical landscape. With the way hostilities have been intensifying between these two groups, I wouldn't be surprised if they declared war against each other.
2. To announce the intention to vehemently oppose someone or something. This usage does not refer to physical fighting. The mayor has declared war against crime in our city and is bolstering our police force. The government can declare war against drugs, sure, but what actions is it going to take to address the drug problem? That's it, I'm declaring war against these blasted fidget spinners! They're no longer allowed in my classroom!
declare war on (someone or something)
1. To officially announce the intention to fight against an enemy country or group in a war. We will have to declare war on the rebels if they advance over our border. If they do declare war on Poland, it could reshape the entire geopolitical landscape. With the way hostilities have been intensifying between these two groups, I wouldn't be surprised if they declared war on each other.
2. To announce the intention to vehemently oppose someone or something. This usage does not refer to physical fighting. The mayor has declared war on crime in our city and is bolstering our police force. The government can declare war on drugs, sure, but what actions is it going to take to address the drug problem? That's it, I'm declaring war on these blasted fidget spinners! They're no longer allowed in my classroom!
I (do) declare!
This is surprising! Why, John Miller, I do declare! I didn't expect to see you here! A: "Did you hear that Thomas and Millie got engaged?" B: "I declare! I didn't realize things were so serious between them." A: "Pop, look outside." B: "I do declare! There's a horse on our property!"
I declare to goodness
This is surprising! Why, John Miller, I declare to goodness! I didn't expect to see you here! A: "Did you hear that Thomas and Millie got engaged?" B: "I declare to goodness! I didn't realize things were so serious between them." I declare to goodness—who is that stranger just wandering the estate?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
declare (oneself) for someone or something
to state one's support of someone or something. Susan declared herself for Mary's candidacy. I have not yet declared for any particular policy. Todd declared himself for the candidacy of Mary Brown for mayor.
declare (oneself) for someone or something
to state one's support of someone or something. Susan declared herself for Mary's candidacy. I have not yet declared for any particular policy. Todd declared himself for the candidacy of Mary Brown for mayor.
declare war against someone or something
and declare war on someone or something 1. Lit. to formally announce that one will fight a war with someone or some country. A group of countries declared war against the aggressor.
2. . Fig. to announce a serious campaign against a type of person or a serious problem. The president declared war against crime and criminals. The pressure group declared war on waste.
I declare (to goodness)!
Rur. What a surprise! I declare to goodness! You certainly have grown since I saw you. Tom: Jim and Sally are going to get married. Mary: Well, I declare!
I (do) declare!
Inf. I am surprised to hear that! (Old-fashioned.) Mary: I'm the new president of my sorority! Grandmother: I declare! That's very nice. A plane had landed right in the middle of the cornfield. The old farmer shook his head in disbelief. "I do declare!" he said over and over as he walked toward the plane.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.