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at fault

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at fault

Responsible for a problem, mistake, or other incident. The other driver was definitely at fault—I was just sitting at a red light when he rear-ended me! I know I was at fault, so I will apologize to Sara today.

See also: fault

at fault

to blame [for something]; serving as the cause of something bad. I was not at fault in the accident. You cannot blame me.

See also: fault

at fault

Responsible for a mistake, trouble, or failure; deserving blame. For example, At least three cars were involved in the accident, so it was hard to determine which driver was at fault , or He kept missing the target and wondered if the sight on his new rifle was at fault. In Britain this usage was formerly considered incorrect but is now acceptable; in America it has been widespread since the mid-1800s. Also see in the wrong.

See also: fault

at fault

1. Deserving of blame; guilty: admitted to being at fault.

2. Confused and puzzled.

See also: fault