in behalf of
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in behalf of (someone)
1. As the representative of someone else; in lieu of someone. The boss isn't here at the moment, but I'd be happy to sign for the package in behalf of her.
2. In the interest or for the benefit of someone else. It's quite common, even natural, that children don't understand that everything their parents do is in behalf of them.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in behalf of someone
and in someone's behalf; on behalf of someone; on someone's behalf; in someone's name[doing something] as someone's agent; [doing something] in place of someone; for the benefit of someone. I'm writing in behalf of Mr. Smith, who has applied for a job with your company. I'm calling on behalf of my client, who wishes to complain about your actions. I'm calling in her behalf. I'm acting on your behalf.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
in behalf of
Also, on behalf of.
1. For someone else, as someone's agent or representative. For example, In behalf of the board, I want to thank you for your help, or Joan was speaking on behalf of the entire staff. [c. 1300]
2. For someone's benefit or interest, as in He was collecting the dues in my behalf. [Late 1500s] Some authorities insist that in behalf of be used only to mean "for someone's benefit" and on behalf of only to mean "as someone's agent." In practice, however, the terms are so often used interchangeably that this distinction no longer has a basis.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.