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cover for someone
/ˈkʌvər fɔːr ˈsʌmwʌn/◆phrasal verb
to protect someone from blame or trouble
I lied to the boss to cover for my colleague who was late.
I told a lie to protect my coworker from getting in trouble for being late.
Business
informal
To protect someone from the consequences of their mistake or absence, often by lying or taking responsibility yourself.
Can you cover for me while I go to the dentist?
Can you handle my duties or answer for my absence while I am at the dentist?
She covered for her friend by saying she was sick.
She protected her friend by claiming the friend was ill.
Often implies a degree of secrecy or deception to avoid negative repercussions for the other person.
Collocations
cover for a colleagueprotect a coworkercover for an absencehandle duties during someone's absence
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Be careful using this phrase. While it can mean simply helping out (e.g., 'cover my shift'), it often implies complicity in hiding a mistake. Ensure the context makes the level of deception clear.
Gold Rule
Preposition Usage
Always use 'for' when indicating the person being protected. Do not say 'cover someone' unless you mean physically covering them with a blanket.
Word Origin
From the verb 'cover' (to place something over or upon) + preposition 'for' (indicating benefit or on behalf of). The metaphorical sense of 'covering' as hiding or protecting from view/blame dates back to early modern English.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in workplace or social contexts. It can range from benign (handling tasks for a sick friend) to unethical (lying to hide a serious error).
Word Breakdown
cover
to hide, protect, or conceal
rootfor
on behalf of; in the interest of
prepositionEnglish Dictionary