idioms

Question 1

Account for

Answer 1

1) Take into consideration or make adjustments based on; 2) cause.
This is not the same as give an account of, which just means explain.
I accounted for the fact that Joe is always late by telling him to meet us at 1:30
when the event is really at 2. (Here, accounted for means made adjustments to
compensate for.)
I did get us the meeting, but Ellen’s hard work accounted for the rest of our
success. (Here, accounted for means caused.)