Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
what\ for — I. interrog. For what reason; why? I told Mary what I was going to town for. What are you running for? Often used alone as a question. Billy s mother told him to wear his hat. What for? he asked. Compare: how come II. n. phr. informal A scolding … Словарь американских идиом
What For — Infobox single Name = What For Type = single Artist = James Released = March 1988 Recorded = 1987 Genre = Folk Length = Label = Sire Producer = Hugh Jones Last single = 1986 So Many Ways This single = 1988 What For Next single = 1988 Ya Ho What… … Wikipedia
what for — spoken 1) used for asking the reason for something I need to have your name and address . What for? what ... for: What did you hit him for? 2) informal old fashioned if you give someone what for, you punish them If I catch that boy in my garden… … English dictionary
what for(1) — {interrog.} For what reason; why? * /I told Mary what I was going to town for./ * /What are you running for?/ Often used alone as a question. * /Billy s mother told him to wear his hat. What for? he asked./ Compare: HOW COME … Dictionary of American idioms
what for — phrasal 1. for what purpose or reason ; why usually used with the other words of a question between what and for < what did you do that for > except when used alone 2. harsh treatment especially by blows or by a sharp reprimand < gave him what… … New Collegiate Dictionary
what for — This phrase appears in two nonstandard uses. When it means punishment or reproof (The boss gave George what for because he was late), it constitutes an illiteracy. When what for is substituted for why (What did you do that for?), the expression… … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
what for — 1. adverb For what reason; why. He wants four copies of it? What for? 2. noun An unspecified punishment or rebuke When your dad gets home, hell give you what f … Wiktionary
what for(2) — {n. phr.}, {informal} A scolding, or other punishment. Usually used with get or give . * /Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house./ * /The teacher gave me what for because I was late./ … Dictionary of American idioms
what for(2) — {n. phr.}, {informal} A scolding, or other punishment. Usually used with get or give . * /Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house./ * /The teacher gave me what for because I was late./ … Dictionary of American idioms
what for — fun idi a) why: What are you doing that for?[/ex] b) a punishment or scolding: My mother will give me what for if I come home late again[/ex] … From formal English to slang
