1
general::
Leave room for, permit, as in We have enough chairs to allow for forty extra guests, or Our denomination allows for a large variety of beliefs. [Early 1700s] Also see MAKE ALLOWANCE.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): allow for someone or something
1. to plan on having enough of something (such as food, space, etc.) for someone. • Mary is bringing Bill on the picnic, so be sure to allow for him when buying the food. • Allow for an extra person when setting the table tonight. 2. to plan on the possibility of something. • Allow for a few rainy days on your vacation. • Be sure to allow for future growth when you plant the rosebushes., Phrase(s): allow something for something
1. to allocate a share or a suitable amount of something, such as time, money, space, etc., for some activity or goal. • I allowed only an hour for lunch. • They did not allow enough money for their expenditures this month. 2. to give consideration to circumstances or contingencies. • We allowed room for expansion when we designed the building. • Allowing for his youth and lack of experience, I forgave him completely for his oversight.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs