provide

provide someone with something

to supply something to someone. I will provide you with an escort to your car. Jane provided herself with just enough food to get through the weekend.

provide something for someone or something

to supply something for someone or something. I will provide salad for the guests. Ted provided food for his dog.

provide something under something

to supply something in keeping with a contract, rule, guideline, agreement, etc. We have agreed to provide two tons of coal per month under our contract. Do you want more? We will agree to provide ample insurance for our employees under union guidelines.

provide against something

to plan against something happening. Have you provided against the possible collapse of the agreement? We have not provided against financial disaster.

See also: against

provide for someone or something

to supply the needs of someone or something. Don't worry, we will provide for you. We will provide for the committee in the budget.

Take the goods the gods provide.

Prov. If you have good fortune, enjoy it and use it to your advantage. Frances: I feel I have an unfair advantage over other people in the violin contest. After all, my parents were able to give me lessons with the very best teachers when I was young. Alan: Frances, take the goods the gods provide.

See also: god, good, take

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provide for somebody

to give someone the things they need to live Former prisoners must learn to provide for themselves once they get out of jail. She's struggling to provide for her family and pay her bills.

provide for something

1. to take care of a need After you cross the border you will have to provide for your own security. The shape of the tank is designed to provide for water circulation.

2. to allow something The permit will provide for a 30-day hunt beginning in late November.