- for real
- adverb
this was no casual scuffling: they were fighting for real
now you've messed things up for real
* * *
informal used to assert that something is genuine or is actually the caseI'm not playing games-this is for real!
■ used in questions to express surprise or to question the truth or seriousness of what one has seen or heardare these guys for real?
* * *
• • •Main Entry: ↑for————————for realinformal1 : true and genuineThe information is for real.
2 US2 a : honest and seriousHe convinced us that he was for real and really wanted to help.
Is that guy for real?
The team has proven that it's for real this year. [=has proven that it's good and has a real chance of winning]
3 : seriously or trulyHe's in trouble for real. [=he's really in trouble]
They were just pretending to argue before, but now they're doing it for real.
• • •Main Entry: ↑real* * *
for ˈreal idiomgenuine or serious•
This is not a fire drill— it's for real.
•
I don't think her tears were for real.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.