1
general::
Phrase(s): account for someone or something
to know the state of or whereabouts of someone or something. (Usually in reference to some person or thing placed in one’s charge.) • They cannot account for three of the passengers., Phrase(s): account for something
to explain something. • Your explanation accounts for everything that has happened.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Be the determining factor in; cause. For example, The beat wave accounts for all this food spoilage, or Icy roads account for the increase in accidents. 2. Explain or justify, as in Jane was upset because her son couldn't account for the three hours between his last class and his arrival at home. Both of these related usages are derived from the literal meaning of the phrase, that is, "make a reckoning of an account." [Second half of 1700s]
American Heritage Idioms