ENGLISH
REFERENCE

speak for

idiom
Meaning

To claim, reserve, or occupy.


Examples
SIMPLE

Is this seat taken, or is it spoken for?

CONTEXTUAL

I wanted to buy that antique chair, but someone else had already spoken for it.

COMPLEX

Although the estate agent claimed the property was still available, the developer had already spoken for the entire plot of land.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    speak for oneself

    Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.

  2. 02

    speak in circles

    Synonym of talk in circles.

  3. 03

    speak of the devil

    An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene.

  4. 04

    speak of the devil and he appears

    Synonym of speak of the devil.

  5. 05

    speak of the devil and he shall appear

    Alternative form of speak of the devil.

  6. 06

    speak one's mind

    To state one's thoughts or opinions honestly or frankly.

  7. 07

    speak out

    To assert or promote one's opinion; to make one's thoughts known.

  8. 08

    speak someone's language

    To speak about concerns, feelings, ideas, etc. which someone understands well and can relate to intimately.

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