Allow to represent (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
stand for
'represent' is the definition.
(standing for is a kind of representing)
'allow to' is the wordplay.
'allow' becomes 'stand' (standing is a kind of allowing).
'to' becomes 'for'.
'stand'+'for'='STAND FOR'
(Other definitions for stand for that I've seen before include "Represent or put up with" , "Signify" , "Be representative of or tolerate" , "Mean" , "brook" .)