Phrasal verb
cross off
Meanings
To mark an item on a list as completed or no longer needed by drawing a line through it.
To eliminate someone or something from consideration or plans.
Definition
To cross off means to remove an item from a list because it is finished or no longer needed.
To cross off something is to draw a line through it on a list to show it is done, bought, or cancelled. People use it with to-do lists, shopping lists, and plans. It can also mean deciding you will not consider someone or something anymore.
Examples
- I cross off tasks as soon as I finish them.
- You can cross off milk now—we already bought it.
- She crossed off Friday from her schedule after the meeting was moved.
- They crossed off that restaurant because it was closed for renovations.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "cross out" when they mean completing an item; "cross off" is used to mark something as done on a list.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.