answer (redirected from answering back)

answer the call of nature (humorous)

to urinate (= pass liquid from the body). I had to go into the woods to answer the call of nature.

See also: call, nature

someone's answer to someone/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.

the answer to someone's prayers

someone or something that someone has needed very much for a long time. A new supermarket delivery service was the answer to my prayers.

See also: prayer

have a lot to answer for

to be the main cause of a problem or an unpleasant situation. People who sell drugs to kids have a lot to answer for.

See also: lot

not take no for an answer

if someone will not take no for an answer, they continue asking for something although their request has already been refused. I've told her again and again that you're too busy to see her, but she won't take no for an answer.

See also: take

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answer for something

to admit responsibility for causing a problem or situation. He may not go to jail, but someday he is going to have to answer for what he did before God. If you mix art and politics critics get upset and you have to answer for it.

have a lot to answer for

someone's answer to someone/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.

answer to someone

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

the answer to your prayers

exactly what is needed or wanted. These new artificial hearts are amazing, but are they the answer to our prayers?

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form the answer to something's prayers: Each new technology has been introduced as the answer to education's prayers.

See also: prayer

have a lot to answer for

to have much of the responsibility for a situation. The owners forced a strike, but the workers have a lot to answer for, too.

answer for something

See also: lot

have all the answers

to be ready with all the available information about something. There's one kid in my class who always has her hand up and always has all the answers. I don't know what can be done — I don't have all the answers, but I do have a lot of questions.

Usage notes: often used to describe someone who wants other people to recognize their intelligence: I used to date someone who had all the answers, and he was such a bore.

See also: all

not take no for an answer

to be unwilling to accept a refusal. She sent faxes, made phone calls, sent e-mail — she just wouldn't take no for an answer.

See also: take