have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself

have nothing to say for (oneself)

1. To be unable to defend or explain one's behavior. I confronted Tommy about breaking the vase, and he had nothing to say for himself.2. To struggle in conversing with others. That guy is a real dullard—he has nothing to say for himself.See also: have, nothing, say

have something/anything to say for (oneself)

1. To be able to explain or defend one's actions. I told you not to throw the ball in the house, and now, the vase is broken. Do you have anything to say for yourself?2. To be able to converse with others. That guy is a real dullard—he doesn't have anything to say for himself.See also: anything, have, say, something

have something, nothing, etc. to ˈsay for yourself


1 be able/unable to explain your actions: I’ve asked him what he was doing here in the middle of the night, but he’s got nothing to say for himself.
2 be able/unable to hold a conversation or express your opinions: She seems very nice but she doesn’t have much to say for herself.See also: have, say