Front for Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To appear to be a legitimate business or person while secretly hiding or supporting illegal or secret activities for someone else.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal or journalistic, refers to criminal, secret, or unethical activities. Often used like 'store that fronts for a criminal organization'. Not for describing regular business partnerships. Similar to 'cover for', but 'front for' implies a fake outward appearance.
Example Sentences
They said the café was just a front for illegal gambling.
basic
The store was a front for a smuggling ring.
basic
He used a small company as a front for his illegal activities.
basic
That old bookstore downtown? Everyone knows it fronts for something shady.
natural
Rumor has it the bar is just there to front for a bigger operation.
natural
No one suspected that charity was actually fronting for a drug cartel.
natural