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root for

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root for someone or something

to cheer and encourage someone or something. Are you rooting for anyone in particular, or are you just shouting because you're excited? I'm rooting for the home team.the root of the matter Go to the crux of the matter.

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root for somebody/something

to support or encourage a person or team I always root for the home team. When you take the test tomorrow, we'll be rooting for you.

Usage notes: often used when talking about a sports competition

See also: root

root for

Cheer on, give moral support to, as in The fans were out rooting for their team, or I've been rooting for you to get that promotion. This expression may come from the British verb rout, which is used of cattle and means "bellow." [Late 1800s]

See also: root

root for

v.

1. To dig in the earth with or as if with the snout or a paw in order to find something: The pigs rooted for truffles.

2. To lend encouragement and support to someone or something: We all rooted for our school's football team.

See also: root