for someone

English

Prepositional phrase

for someone

1. Used as an intensifier for actions causing harm or detriment to someone

   She knocked my papers out of my hands for me.

   • 1895, “Aut Scissors Aut Nullus”, in John Ames Mitchell, editor, Life, volume 26, page 387:

     "Then why did you handcuff him?" / "He was using vulgar language." / "But why did you put those things on his wrists?" / "I couldn't put them on his mouth." / "What did he do then?" / "He tried to run." / "And what did you do?" / "I broke his jaw for him." / "Why did you break his jaw?" / "Well, I couldn't break his leg, could I?"

   • 1996, Larry Watson, Justice‎, page 86:

     Broke my nose for me and knocked me on my ass.

   • 2007, Jill Whalen, Celtic Tales 8: The Daring‎, page 33:

     She reached out and was only able to get a little hold of his leg and pull it back. She broke his ankle for him.

2. Used to indicate that an action normally beneficial may be performed in a way that causes harm or detriment to someone.

   I wiped his nose for him - on the sidewalk.

See also

• for one
• for you