ride for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To be totally loyal to someone and always have their back, or to ride your horse toward somewhere.
Literal meaning: To travel by horse toward a destination.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
slang
(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)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To travel on horseback toward a destination.
"The messenger rode for the capital without stopping to rest."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
crew team family city brand cause
Forms
Base
ride for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rides for
he/she/it
Past simple
rode for
yesterday
Past participle
ridden for
have + pp
-ing form
riding for
continuous
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Synonyms
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