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answer back

answer back(

)

An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g. Everybody please stand up.).

intransitive verb phrase

A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).

(colloquial)

(to reply rudely)

a. replicar

I got in trouble for answering back in class.Me metí en problemas por replicar en clase.

b. contestar

My dad gets angry when I answer back.Mi papá se enoja cuando le contesto.

An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g. The man sneezed.).

intransitive verb

2. (to defend oneself)

a. defenderse

After the argument, Mara left the house, so Mario didn't have the chance to answer back.Tras la pelea, Mara se fue de la casa, así que Mario no tuvo la oportunidad de defenderse.

A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g. Take out the trash.).

transitive verb phrase

A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).

(colloquial)

(to reply rudely)

a. contestar

If you answer me back, you won't get dessert tonight.Si me contestas, te quedas sin postre esta noche.

answer back

An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g. The man sneezed.).

intransitive verb

1. (be impertinent)

a. replicar, contestar

don't a back!¡no me repliques!

answer back

verb:intransitive:plus_adverb

1 (be cheeky) (on one occasion) replicar; contestar; (habitually) ser respondónonarespondona;ona respondona

don't answer back! ¡no repliques!

she was beaten by teachers for answering back /they answer back/ - I wouldn't have dared to speak to my parents like that

2 (defend o.s.) defenderse contra las críticas; (contra las críticas)

his position makes it impossible for him to answer back /he wouldn't tolerate anyone who answered back/ or posed a threat to his dominance /I learned not to answer back/ because if I did, he would get violent with me he was always the guy who gets pushed around, a fellow really too decent to answer back or stir it up Meg who had never dared answer back when Sarah attacked her

Collins Complete Spanish Electronic Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers 2011

Examples