what for
The phrase "what for" is commonly used in informal contexts to ask about the reason or purpose behind an action, or to refer to a reprimand.
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Definition
B1General
(colloquial, question)Used to ask the reason or purpose behind an action.
Example
- What are you doing that for?
- What's this tool for?
B2General
(colloquial, idiomatic)Refers to a reprimand or punishment, often used in the phrase 'give someone what for'.
Example
- Just wait until he gets home. I'll give him what for.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "what for":
do foroh forfor itall forbut formake forfor youfor tofor onefor the plotfor show