Front for Meaning in English
expression
释义
To appear to be a legitimate business or person while secretly hiding or supporting illegal or secret activities for someone else.
用法与细微差别
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.
例句
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