# cover for

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cover-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to do someone's work while they are away, or to lie to protect them from getting into trouble.

For teachers: to temporarily perform the duties of a colleague or to provide an alibi or excuse for another person's absence or error.

## Examples

- Can you cover for me while I go to the doctor?
- When the manager asked where Sarah was, her friend covered for her by saying she was in a meeting.
- The junior associate was expected to cover for the senior partner during the lengthy arbitration hearings in Geneva.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will cover you for." but "I will cover for you." — the object must follow the preposition 'for' because this phrasal verb is inseparable.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a person; the context determines if the act is helpful work or a protective lie.
- Teaching tip: distinguish between the professional sense (filling in) and the social sense (making an excuse); both imply a temporary substitution of responsibility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.