Go to bat for Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈbæt/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ

GOH tuh BAT for

UK

ɡˈəʊ/ /tˈuː/ /bˈæt/ /fˈɔː

guh-OH tuh BAT faw

Definition

To support or defend someone, especially when they are in trouble or need help.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mainly used in American English. Originates from baseball; implies active effort to support someone. Often used in workplace or friendship contexts. Not commonly used in UK English as a metaphor.

• Spanish: defender - apoyar (a alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): defender - apoiar (alguém)
• Portuguese (PT): defender - apoiar (alguém)
• Chinese (Simplified): 为（某人）说话 - 支持（某人）
• Chinese (Traditional): 為（某人）說話 - 支持（某人）
• Hindi: किसी का समर्थन करना - किसी के लिए खड़ा होना
• Arabic: يدافع عن - يساند
• Bengali: কাউকে সমর্থন করা - কারো জন্য পাশে থাকা
• Russian: заступаться - поддерживать
• Japanese: 味方をする - 支援する
• Vietnamese: bênh vực - đứng ra bảo vệ
• Korean: 편을 들어주다 - 적극적으로 돕다
• Turkish: destek çıkmak - birinin arkasında durmak
• Urdu: کسی کی حمایت کرنا - کسی کا ساتھ دینا
• Indonesian: membela - mendukung

Example Sentences

I will go to bat for you if you need help.

basic

She always goes to bat for her friends.

basic

My teacher went to bat for me when I was in trouble.

basic

You can always count on Sarah to go to bat for her team.

natural

Even though I barely knew him, John really went to bat for me at the meeting.

natural

I'm grateful that you went to bat for me with the boss.

natural