what for

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Adverb

1. For what purpose.

   What is this tool for?

   That's what friends are for.

2. (colloquial) For what reason; why.

   He wants four copies of it? What for?

   Ow! What did you do that for?

Translations

• French: pourquoi
• German: wofür
• Italian: perché
• Portuguese: para quê?
• Russian: заче́м
• Spanish: por qué (idiom)

Noun

what for (plural what fors)

1. (idiomatic, colloquial, usually, with "give someone") An unspecified punishment or rebuke

   When your dad gets home, he'll give you what for.

   • 1968, Oliver!, 01:12:40

     - Fagin, I'm waiting.

     - Waiting, my dear? What for?

     - Bill will give you "what for" if you don't fork out.

Translations

• Russian: взбу́чка

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