for someone

Meanings

prepositional phrase

Used as an intensifier for actions causing harm or detriment to someone
She knocked my papers out of my hands for me.
3 more examples
"Then why did you handcuff him?" / "He was using vulgar language." / "But why did you put those things on his wrists?" / "I couldn't put them on his mouth." / "What did he do then?" / "He tried to run." / "And what did you do?" / "I broke his jaw for him." / "Why did you break his jaw?" / "Well, I couldn't break his leg, could I?"
1895, “Aut Scissors Aut Nullus”, in John Ames Mitchell, editor, Life, volume 26, page 387
Broke my nose for me and knocked me on my ass.
1996, Larry Watson, Justice, page 86
She reached out and was only able to get a little hold of his leg and pull it back. She broke his ankle for him.
2007, Jill Whalen, Celtic Tales 8: The Daring, page 33
Used to indicate that an action normally beneficial may be performed in a way that causes harm or detriment to someone.
I wiped his nose for him - on the sidewalk.

Cite this entry

APA

for someone. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/for%20someone

MLA

“for someone.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/for%20someone. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “for someone,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/for%20someone.