line off
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To draw a line to show where one part ends and another begins, or to close off a section of writing.
Literal meaning: To create a line that closes off or separates a defined area — transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To draw a line marking the boundary of an area or closing off a section.
"The groundskeeper lined off the penalty area before the match."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
In accounting or writing, to draw a final ruled line under a column of figures or a block of text to indicate it is complete.
"The bookkeeper lined off the totals at the bottom of the ledger page."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in practical contexts like marking a field, road, or document. In accounting and bookkeeping, 'line off' or 'rule off' is used to draw a final line under a column of figures. Less common than 'mark off' or 'rope off'.
Commonly used with
section column road field area account paragraph
Forms
Base
line off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lines off
he/she/it
Past simple
lined off
yesterday
Past participle
lined off
have + pp
-ing form
lining off
continuous
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Synonyms
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