cross off: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘cross off’ mean?
The idiom *cross off* means to remove or mark something as completed or finished.
Idiom Explorer
Meaning: To formally end or conclude something, often by giving permission or approval.
One idiom that has a significant place in the English language is "sign off." This widely used idiom has various meanings depending on the context.
Meaning: To stop or cease doing something or to end an activity or behavior.
This idiom is commonly used to indicate the act of discontinuing or putting an end to a particular action or behavior.
The idiom "kiss off" means to dismiss, reject, or end a relationship with someone in a dismissive or rude manner.
The idiom "jot down" means to quickly write or make a brief note or reminder.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "have done with" means to finish or complete something and have no further involvement or connection with it.
The idiom "get rid of" means to dispose of something or eliminate something or someone.
The idiom "get rid of" is a common expression in American English with a straightforward and universally understood meaning. It is used figuratively to describe eliminating or disposing of something or someone undesirable. The idiom is widely used in various contexts and has become deeply entrenched in the English language.
The idiom "get off the mark" means to make a successful start or to take the first step towards achieving a goal or completing a task.
Unraveling the Enigma
The idiom "cross out" is related to the phrase "cross off." When someone uses the phrase "cross out," they mean to delete, remove, or strike through an item or word on a list or document. It is often used when making revisions or corrections to written material. For example, a student might cross out a sentence in an essay that they realize is incorrect or unnecessary.
"chalk off" is another related idiom. It means to mark off or eliminate something, similar to "cross off." The phrase "chalk off" has its origins in marking off items on a chalkboard or blackboard. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as crossing off completed tasks on a to-do list or eliminating options from a list of choices.
"have done with" is another idiom that is related to "cross off." When someone says "have done with," they mean to finish or be done with something. It implies a desire to put an end to a particular situation or task. For example, someone might say, "I'm tired of arguing with my friend. Let's have done with this and move on."
The idiom "leave off" is similar to "cross off" in that it means to stop doing something or to cease an activity. It can be used when talking about work, hobbies, or habits. For example, someone might say, "I'm going to leave off playing video games for a while and focus on my studies."
The final related idiom is "sign off." When someone signs off, they finish or complete a task or activity. It can be used in various contexts, such as signing off on a document to indicate approval or ending a conversation or email exchange. For example, someone might say, "I just need you to sign off on this form before we can proceed."
The idiomatic phrase "cross off" means to eliminate or remove an item or task from a list or agenda. It signifies completion or achievement and can be used in various contexts. Other related idioms include "cross out," "chalk off," "have done with," "leave off," and "sign off," which all share similar meanings of marking off, eliminating, or completing tasks or activities. These idioms are commonly used in both personal and professional settings, demonstrating progress and accomplishment.
Example usage
A list of examples of how the idiom "cross off" can be used in a sentence:
- I need to cross off the items on my shopping list as I buy them.
- He crossed his name off the guest list for the party.
- After completing a task, she crossed it off her to-do list.
More "Verbs" idioms
