Explain yourself
phrase
Tell others the reasons for your actions or behavior, especially when they are being questioned or doubted.
Why were you late? Could you please explain yourself?
Often appears as...
- can you explain yourself?
- i think you should explain yourself
phrase
Give a detailed account or description of something to someone.
You don't have to explain yourself, I understand your situation.
Often appears as...
- you don't have to explain yourself
- no need to explain yourself
phrase
Tell others the reasons for your actions or behavior, especially when they are being questioned or doubted.
Why were you late? Could you please explain yourself?
Often appears as...
- can you explain yourself?
- i think you should explain yourself
phrase
Give a detailed account or description of something to someone.
You don't have to explain yourself, I understand your situation.
Often appears as...
- you don't have to explain yourself
- no need to explain yourself
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Questioning Context
Use 'explain yourself' when someone is being questioned or their actions seem suspicious.
The teacher looked stern and said, 'You missed the deadline, explain yourself.'
Pro Tip 2/3Defensive Tone
The phrase often implies that the speaker thinks the listener has done something wrong.
After the argument, he demanded, 'Explain yourself right now!'
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Seriousness
'Explain yourself' is used in serious situations and can feel confrontational.
Her parents were waiting up for her, 'Explain yourself this instant!'
Pro Tip 1/3Questioning Context
Use 'explain yourself' when someone is being questioned or their actions seem suspicious.
The teacher looked stern and said, 'You missed the deadline, explain yourself.'
Pro Tip 2/3Defensive Tone
The phrase often implies that the speaker thinks the listener has done something wrong.
After the argument, he demanded, 'Explain yourself right now!'
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Seriousness
'Explain yourself' is used in serious situations and can feel confrontational.
Her parents were waiting up for her, 'Explain yourself this instant!'
Pro Tip 1/3Questioning Context
Use 'explain yourself' when someone is being questioned or their actions seem suspicious.
The teacher looked stern and said, 'You missed the deadline, explain yourself.'
Pro Tip 2/3Defensive Tone
The phrase often implies that the speaker thinks the listener has done something wrong.
After the argument, he demanded, 'Explain yourself right now!'
Pro Tip 3/3Implies Seriousness
'Explain yourself' is used in serious situations and can feel confrontational.
Her parents were waiting up for her, 'Explain yourself this instant!'
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