The phrase “answer to someone” means to explain or justify one’s actions to a person in authority or someone who has the right to demand accountability. This idiom is typically used when referring to situations where one is required to take responsibility for their actions, especially in cases where there may have been misconduct or mistakes.
The phrase is often used in the structure “have to answer to someone,” indicating that the individual will face questioning or consequences from a higher authority.
Usage of “Answer to someone” in sentences
Here are some example sentences to illustrate how this phrase is used in everyday English:
Addressing accountability:
“If John cannot behave properly, he’ll have to answer to me.”
Legal or formal context:
“The car thief will have to answer to the judge for his crimes.”
Workplace setting:
“In my new position, I’ll have to answer to the department head directly.”
Origin of the idiom
The expression “answer to someone” has roots in the concept of accountability and responsibility. The word “answer” here means “to respond or justify,” and “to someone” specifies the individual who has authority over the person in question. This phrase is often used in hierarchical structures, such as workplaces, the legal system, and family settings, where individuals are held accountable by those in positions of power.
Related expressions
Several similar phrases convey related ideas of accountability and responsibility:
- Held accountable to someone – emphasizes being answerable to a specific authority.
- Report to someone – used mainly in professional contexts to indicate that someone has a direct supervisor or authority figure they must inform or justify actions to.
- Face consequences from someone – implies that a person will have to deal with repercussions from an authority figure.
Why people use “Answer to someone“
People use this phrase to indicate accountability and responsibility. When someone “answers to” another person, it suggests that they are not entirely free to act independently and must consider the authority of the other person. This phrase is especially useful in professional, legal, or family contexts where authority and hierarchy play significant roles.
Conclusion
The idiom “answer to someone” conveys the need to justify one’s actions to an authority figure or someone in a supervisory role. This phrase helps illustrate the concept of responsibility, emphasizing that the person must face or respond to someone with authority, especially if they have done something wrong or questionable. It’s a common expression used to discuss scenarios involving accountability, whether in personal relationships, work environments, or legal settings.
