What does “Go to bat for” mean?
"Go to bat for" means to support or defend someone or something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I will go to bat for my friend in any situation.
Example
The lawyer promised to go to bat for his client in court.
Example
The team captain always goes to bat for his teammates during tough games
Is “Go to bat for” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Go to bat for” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Go to bat for” effectively in context?
You can use "Go to bat for" to express your willingness to support or defend someone or something. It emphasizes your loyalty and commitment to standing up for others. For example, if a friend is facing criticism or unfair treatment, you might say, 'Don't worry, I'll go to bat for you and make sure your side is heard.'
- 1Friendship
I will go to bat for my friend in any situation.
- 2Legal
The lawyer promised to go to bat for his client in court.
- 3Sports
The team captain always goes to bat for his teammates during tough games.
Similar phrases to “Go to bat for”:
Stand up for
To support or defend someone or something
Example
She always stands up for her beliefs, no matter what.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Go to bat for” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Go to bat for" is unknown.
Is “Go to bat for” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Go to bat for" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to show their support and loyalty to others.
What tone does “Go to bat for” have?
"Go to bat for" conveys a tone of loyalty and dedication. It implies that you are willing to stand up for someone or something, even in challenging or difficult situations.
Can “Go to bat for” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Go to bat for" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of supporting and defending others. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional meetings or discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I will go to bat for my friend and support them no matter what.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "go to bat for"!' to imply readiness to support someone.