owe an explanation

This page is about the collocation owe an explanation

collocation pattern: verb + noun

Meaning

If you think someone owes you an explanation, you think they should explain why they did something that badly affected you.

For example

  • Don't you think you owe us an explanation for what you did?

  • We think the company owes us a better explanation than "it was an error" for overcharging us!

Note:
Usually used after something unexpected or harmful has been done to somebody.

Quick Quiz

If someone owes you an explanation, they should

a. explain how much they owe you

b. tell you why they did something

c. explain something for free
a) explain how much they owe you b) tell you why they did something c) explain something for free

Contributor: Matt Errey