To show strong loyalty or support for someone or something; also to head toward a destination on horseback.
To be totally loyal to someone and always have their back, or to ride your horse toward somewhere.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
(Informal, especially AAVE/hip-hop) To be deeply loyal to someone or something; to support unconditionally.
"He always rides for his neighbourhood, no matter what happens."
I ride for my people.
— Common expression in hip-hop; widely attributed as a cultural phrase in rap lyrics (e.g. genre usage, 1990s–present)
To travel on horseback toward a destination.
"The messenger rode for the capital without stopping to rest."
To travel by horse toward a destination.
To be totally loyal to someone and always have their back, or to ride your horse toward somewhere.
The loyalty sense is very common in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture. 'I ride for my crew' means 'I am completely loyal to my group'. The literal travel sense is older and used in equestrian or historical contexts.
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