ANSWER TO Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "answer to" is a verb phrase that is commonly used to express accountability or responsibility to someone or something. It typically implies that someone is obligated to report or justify their actions or decisions to a higher authority or a specific person. The word "answer" in this context means to respond or provide justification, while "to" indicates the recipient of the response or accountability.
When someone is said to "answer to" a particular individual or entity, it means they are required to explain their actions, decisions, or behavior to them. This can occur in various contexts, including professional settings where an employee may be answerable to their supervisor or a company may answer to its shareholders or board of directors. It can also refer to personal relationships, where an individual may answer to their parents, partner, or a mentor.
Furthermore, "answer to" can also denote a hierarchy or chain of command. It signifies that someone holds a position subordinate to another person or authority. For instance, in a military context, a soldier "answers to" their commanding officer. In this sense, the phrase indicates that there is a level of authority and accountability that must be upheld.
Overall, "answer to" conveys the notion of being held responsible, providing explanations, and being accountable to someone or something in various contexts, be it professional, personal, or hierarchical relationships.
Common Misspellings for ANSWER TO
- znswer to
- snswer to
- wnswer to
- qnswer to
- abswer to
- amswer to
- ajswer to
- ahswer to
- anawer to
- anzwer to
- anxwer to
- andwer to
- anewer to
- anwwer to
- ansqer to
- ansaer to
- ansser to
- anseer to
- ans3er to
- ans2er to
Etymology of ANSWER TO
The word "answer" comes from Middle English "answere" which is derived from Old English "andswaru" composed of "and-" (against, opposite) and "swaru" (a speaking, a reply). The phrase "to" in "answer to" is a preposition that indicates relation or connection. Therefore, "answer to" implies responding or replying in relation to something or someone.
Idioms with the word ANSWER TO
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sb's answer to sb/sth
The idiom "sb's answer to sb/sth" refers to a person or thing that is considered to be equivalent or comparable to another person or thing in terms of their qualities, abilities, or suitability for a certain role or purpose. It suggests that the individual or thing being mentioned is a suitable or comparable alternative to the person or thing being compared to.
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answer to sb
The idiom "answer to sb" typically refers to being accountable or responsible to someone, usually a superior or authority figure. It implies that one has to report to or obey the person in question.
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answer to the name (of) sth
To "answer to the name (of) sth" means to acknowledge being called or referred to by a particular name or title. It implies that the person or object being mentioned is recognized or identified by that specific name.
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answer to sm
The idiom "answer to someone" means to be accountable or to be responsible to someone else, typically in a position of authority. It suggests that the person is answerable to someone for their actions, decisions, or performance.
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answer to the name
The idiom "answer to the name" means responding or acknowledging when called or referred to by a particular name or label. It implies that a person or thing is known or recognized by a specific name and willingly identifies themselves as such.
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answer to the name (of)
The idiom "answer to the name (of)" means to acknowledge or respond to a particular name or title. It suggests that a person or thing is known or referred to by a specific name and will react or comply when that name is mentioned or used. This idiom is commonly used when talking about people, animals, or fictional characters.
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answer to the description of someone
The idiom "answer to the description of someone" means that someone's appearance, behavior, or traits perfectly match the given description. It implies that the person in question fits the expectations, criteria, or qualities outlined in the description.
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the answer to sb's prayers
The idiom "the answer to someone's prayers" refers to a person, thing, or solution that fulfills someone's desires or needs perfectly. It implies that the desired person or thing appears unexpectedly or miraculously, as if it were an answer to one's prayers.
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answer to the name of something
The idiom "answer to the name of something" means to acknowledge or respond when called or referred to by a particular name. It often refers to individuals or animals that are known by a specific name and will react when that name is mentioned. It implies a recognition and familiarity with the name being used.
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the answer to your prayers
The phrase "the answer to your prayers" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation, person, or thing that provides an ideal solution or fulfills a desired outcome, often appearing in a fortuitous or unexpected manner. It implies that the solution or outcome is as if it was received after praying for it, emphasizing its fortunate and beneficial nature.
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answer to someone
The idiom "answer to someone" means to be accountable or responsible to someone, typically a superior or a person in authority. It implies that an individual must report or justify their actions, decisions, or performance to the person they answer to.
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answer to the description (of)
The idiom "answer to the description (of)" means that someone or something matches the given description or fits the expected criteria. It indicates that the person or thing in question possesses the characteristics or attributes mentioned.
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the/an answer to (one's) prayers
The idiom "the/an answer to (one's) prayers" refers to something or someone that provides a solution or fulfills a desire or need that a person has been desperately hoping for or praying to receive. It typically implies great relief, gratitude, and a sense of serendipity or divine intervention.
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answer to the description of sm
The idiom "answer to the description of sm" means that someone or something closely resembles or fits the given description or characteristics that have been mentioned or specified. It suggests that the person or thing in question is a perfect match or a suitable example of what is being described.
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the answer to somebody's prayers
The idiom "the answer to somebody's prayers" means that something or someone has come along at the perfect time, providing a solution, fulfillment, or relief to a person's needs, desires, or problems. It conveys the idea that the person prayed or wished for a specific outcome, and what has occurred or arrived is exactly what they were hoping for or had been seeking.
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answer to
to be accountable or responsible to someone; to obey or follow someone's authority
