answer to

answer to (someone)

1. To report to a superior. Now that I'm your boss, you answer to me in all matters. I used to answer to Carrie, but now that she's out on maternity leave, I report to Matt instead. Everyone in the Legal Department answers to the Chief Legal Counselor.

2. To explain one's actions, decisions, or misdeeds to a person in authority who may consider punishment. If you continue to neglect your schoolwork, you'll have to answer to the headmaster. I got into law to make sure that murderers answer to the justice system for their heinous crimes. If you broke the vase, you're gonna have to answer to Mom, and she is not going to be happy!

See also: answer, to

answer to (something)

1. verb To respond to a name. My daughter Margaret has decided that she only answers to "Calliope" now. Around my family, I answer to "Poppy" because that was my childhood nickname. A: "Hmm, she doesn't seem to be answering to her new name. Maybe she doesn't like 'Fluffy.'" B: "Maybe she's just being a cat?"

2. noun A person or thing that is intended to be the equivalent of something else. That style of dress is the American answer to French fashion. The center they acquired is their answer to their cross-town rival's new star player. The streaming company may think this show is their answer to Game of Clones, but the writing isn't nearly as good.

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

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.

See also: answer, to

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

answer to

Explain or justify something to someone, as in If Mary doesn't help us finish this project, she'll have to answer to the boss. This expression was at first used mainly for replying to legal charges. [c. a.d. 950]

See also: answer, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

answer to

v.

1. To be called some name: His real name is Edward, but he usually answers to Ted.

2. To be liable or accountable to someone or something: The treasurer answers directly to the vice president.

See also: answer, to

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.