go to bat for

Idioms and Phrases

Take the side of, support, defend. For example, Dad will always go to bat for his kids . This term originated in baseball, where it means simply substituting for another batter, but it is the idea of helping one's team in this way that has been transferred to more general use. [ Slang ; early 1900s]

Example Sentences

Favata was a “fundamentally decent and caring person at his core who made a tremendous mistake,” Garvey wrote, and added that he was grateful to “go to bat” for his friend.

From Los Angeles Times

Yes, Philadelphians and Pennsylvanians will almost always go to bat for one their own—one of the big upsides for Harris if she chose Shapiro.

From Slate

You were very experienced before taking over “Tonight,” but Lorne Michaels still had to go to bat for you.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, Trump looks relaxed, leaning back in his chair and craning his neck to watch his lawyer go to bat for him.

From BBC

And even though it won’t get any votes in the Legislature until next year, a new bill introduced in the final days of the session shows lawmakers’ willingness to go to bat for striking workers in the entertainment industry.

From Los Angeles Times