what for
adverb
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L203714 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
adv
- For what purpose.
“What is this tool for?”
“That's what friends are for.”
- For what reason; why.
“He wants four copies of it? What for?”
“Ow! What did you do that for?”
noun
- An unspecified punishment or rebuke.
“When your dad gets home, he'll give you (a) what for.”
“- Fagin, I'm waiting. - Waiting, my dear? What for? - Bill will give you "what for" if you don't fork out.”