answer to

answer to someone 

1. Fig. to explain or justify one's actions to someone. (Usually with have to.) If John cannot behave properly, he'll have to answer to me. The car thief will have to answer to the judge.

2. Fig. [in the hierarchy of the workplace] to be under the supervision of someone; to report to someone. (See also report to (someone or something).) You will answer directly to Mr. Wright. I answer only to the boss.

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somebody's answer to somebody/something

someone or something that is just as good as a more famous person or thing in the place where it comes from The Kennedy clan was America's answer to the royal families of Europe.

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somebody's answer to somebody/something

something intended to be as good as another similar person or thing The European Film Awards are Europe's answer to the Academy Awards.

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answer to somebody

to be responsible to someone else If you own your own company, you do not have to answer to stockholders.

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