The word 交待 (jiāodài) is formed by combining two characters: 交, meaning "to hand over" or "to interact", and 代, meaning "to substitute" or "on behalf of". Historically, the term literally conveyed the idea of "handing over (responsibility) to a successor". Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to encompass the act of providing an explanation, giving an account, or making a confession, as these actions conceptually involve "handing over" information or clarity to another party. Thus, the formation reflects a semantic shift from a concrete transfer of duty to the abstract delivery of necessary information or instructions, as seen in its modern usage like 向我交待清楚 ("Explain it to me clearly").