cross off
A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To put a line through something on a list because you've done it or don't need it anymore.
Literal meaning: To make a cross (X) on something and remove it ('off') from a list.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To draw a line through an item on a list because it has been completed or dealt with.
"As soon as I finished each errand, I crossed it off my to-do list."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral
To remove someone's name from a list, especially to exclude them from consideration.
"The detective crossed the suspect off his list after confirming her alibi."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Very common in everyday speech and writing. Often used with 'list', 'to-do list', or 'bucket list'. In American English, also used figuratively to mean eliminating someone from consideration.
Commonly used with
list name item task bucket list to-do list
Forms
Base
cross off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
crosses off
he/she/it
Past simple
crossed off
yesterday
Past participle
crossed off
have + pp
-ing form
crossing off
continuous
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Synonyms
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