have a lot to answer for

: an object used as a counter in determining a question by chance

: the use of lots as a means of deciding something

: the resulting choice

: allot, apportion

: to form or divide into lots

: a nephew of Abraham who according to the account in Genesis escaped from the doomed city of Sodom with his wife who turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back

: something spoken or written in reply to a question

: a correct response

: a reply to a legal charge or suit : plea

: to speak or write in reply

: to be or make oneself responsible or accountable

: to make amends : atone