Go to bat Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈbæt

GOH-tuh-BAT

UK

ɡˈəʊ/ /tˈuː/ /bˈæt

guh-OH-too-BAT

Definition

To defend, support, or help someone, especially by speaking or acting on their behalf. Often used when someone is in trouble or needs help.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal idiom, common in American English, from baseball. Use 'go to bat for someone'. Often implies risk or effort taken to help. Don't use literally for baseball; it's always figurative.

• Spanish: defender - apoyar (a alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): defender - apoiar (alguém)
• Portuguese (PT): defender - apoiar (alguém)
• Chinese (Simplified): 为（某人）说话 - 支持
• Chinese (Traditional): 為（某人）說話 - 支持
• Hindi: किसी का पक्ष लेना - समर्थन करना
• Arabic: يدافع عن - يؤيد
• Bengali: পক্ষে দাঁড়ানো - সাহায্য করা - সমর্থন করা
• Russian: заступаться - поддерживать - вступаться
• Japanese: 味方になる - 擁護する - 支援する
• Vietnamese: bênh vực - hỗ trợ - đứng về phía
• Korean: 편을 들어주다 - 옹호하다 - 도와주다
• Turkish: destek olmak - savunmak - arka çıkmak
• Urdu: کسی کا ساتھ دینا - حمایت کرنا
• Indonesian: membela - mendukung - memperjuangkan

Example Sentences

She always goes to bat for her friends when they need help.

basic

My boss went to bat for me and got me a raise.

basic

Who will go to bat for him when he is in trouble?

basic

Don't expect everyone to go to bat for you every time you make a mistake.

natural

I really appreciate you going to bat for me during that meeting.

natural

Sometimes you have to go to bat for yourself—no one else will do it.

natural