thank

verb (T)

1 to tell someone that you are pleased and grateful for something they have done, or to be polite about it: Remember to thank Uncle Robin when you see him. | thank sb for: Meg and Jo ran to thank their aunt for the presents. | thank sb for doing sth: I must write and thank him for sending the cheque.

2 thank God/goodness/heavens used to show that you are very glad about something: Thank God that's over! I've never been so nervous in my life!

(+ for): “Your son is safe!” “Thank heavens for that!” —see God

3 have sb to thank (for sth) used when saying who is responsible for something helpful or, humorously, who is responsible for something unhelpful: I have Phil to thank for getting me my first job. | And who do I have to thank for that mess on my desk?

4 only have yourself to thank (for sth) spoken used to say that you are responsible for something bad that has happened to you: She has only herself to thank if she doesn't have any friends.

5 sb won't thank you (for doing something) used to tell someone that another person will be annoyed because of what they have done: I know you're just trying to help, but he won't thank you for telling him how to do it.

6 thank your lucky stars spoken used to tell someone that they are very lucky, especially because they have avoided an unpleasant or dangerous situation: You should thank your lucky stars I got here when I did!

7 you'll thank me spoken used to tell someone not to be annoyed with you for doing or saying something, because it will be helpful to them later: You'll thank me for this one day, Laura.

8 I'll thank you to do sth spoken formal used to tell someone in an angry way not to do something because it is annoying you: I'll thank you to mind your own business.

—see also: thank you