- explain oneself
- explain oneself1. to explain what one has said or done or what one thinks or feels. (Formal and polite.) •
Please take a moment to explain yourself. I'm sure we are interested in your ideas.
•Yes, if you will let me explain myself, I think you'll agree with my idea.
2. to give an explanation or excuse for something wrong that one may have done. (Usually said in anger.) •Young man! Come in here and explain yourself this instant.
•Why did you do that, Tom Smith? You had better explain yourself, and it had better be good.
* * *{v. phr.} 1. To make your meaning plainer; make your first statement clear. * /When we didn't understand Fritz, he went on to explain himself./ 2. To give a good reason for something you did or failed to do which seems wrong. * /When Jack brought Mary home at three o'clock in the morning, her father asked him to explain himself./
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.