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.
See also: answer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: answer
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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]
See also: answer
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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.
See also: answer
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • going to
  • goof
  • goofed
  • cross over
  • face off
  • face-off
  • bag it
  • bag someone
  • bagged
  • bagging
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