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answer to
answer to
1. verb To report to a superior. Now that I'm your boss, you answer to me in all matters.
2. verb To respond to a name. My daughter Margaret has decided that she only answers to "Calliope" now.
3. verb 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.
4. 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.
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. answer to somebody
to be responsible to someone else If you own your own company, you do not have to answer to stockholders.
somebody's answer to somebody/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.
somebody's answer to somebody/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.
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]
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.