front for

front for (someone or something)

1. verb To seem reputable in order to hide underhanded or illegal activities. Oh, come on, everybody knows that restaurant just fronts for the mob! We don't front for criminals anymore, so I don't know why the cops are hanging around. I'm getting a search warrant because I just know those guys front for that drug kingpin.

2. verb To handle or represent something publicly for someone or something. Don't worry, our lawyer will front for us—we don't have to speak to the press. Don't I pay my publicist to front for me after awkward incidents like this? It's your mess, you clean it up—I refuse to front for you anymore!

3. noun Something reputable that hides the underhanded or illegal activities of someone or something. Oh, come on, everybody knows that restaurant is just a front for the mob! Excuse me, sir, but this is a legitimate establishment, not some sort of front for illegality! Of course that place is a front for criminal activity—it's run by an ex-con!

See also: for, front

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

front for someone or something

to serve as the public contact or public "face" for someone or something. Her publicity agent fronted for her most of the time. Max fronted for a gang of thieves.

See also: for, front

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

front for

v.

1. To appear to operate with a legitimate purpose in order to conceal the operation of something or someone: The grocery store was actually fronting for a group of smugglers.

2. To serve as a cover for or representative of someone or something: Leave the negotiations up to me—I'll front for you.

See also: for, front

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.