whys and wherefores

singular why and wherefore · alternative rare whies and wherefores

1. pluralplural normallyset phraseThe reasons or motivations for a fact, action, or decision, especially the complete set of such reasons or motivations.

   Of the hundreds of thousands who served in Vietnam, most still do not understand the whys and wherefores of our involvement.

   September 5 2004, Albert M. Forget, “Question integrity of vets attacking Kerry”, in Seattle Post-Intelligencer

   2 more examples

   I can no more tell you the whys and wherefores of myself than I can lift myself up by the waistband and carry myself into the next county.

   1887, George Bernard Shaw, chapter 5, in An Unsocial Socialist

   [I]f she noticed anything odd or out of place she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherefores thereof.

   1908, Lucy Maud Montgomery, chapter 1, in Anne of Green Gables

   Synonyms: explanation