what\ for

what\ for
I. interrog.
For what reason; why?

I told Mary what I was going to town for.

What are you running for?

- Often used alone as a question.

Billy's mother told him to wear his hat. "What for?" he asked.

Compare: how come
II. n. phr. informal
A scolding, or other punishment. - Usually used with "get" or "give".

Tom got what for from his father for answering him rudely, and I heard him crying in the house.

The teacher gave me what for because I was late.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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