Used when someone tries to emotionally rectify a mistake or bad experience.

Emotional Balance

The action to 'make up for' something doesn't always completely fix the situation.

Not Always Equal

Involves an action that is positively viewed and attempts to improve a previous negative situation.

Focuses on genuine improvements in behavior or performance as opposed to superficial fixes.

The phrase often relates to corrective actions taken shortly after the bad situation occurred.

'Make up for' is used when someone learns from their mistakes and tries to do better.

Used when someone or something stands in to cover an absence or loss.

Doesn't mean to literally 'replace' but to serve as an adequate alternative.

Implies finding inventive or unexpected ways to compensate for a deficiency.