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."
separable
cross off
A2 neutral separable transitive
To draw a line through an item on a list to show it has been completed or is no longer relevant.
In plain English
To put a line through something on a list because you've done it or don't need it anymore.
What does "cross off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a cross (X) on something and remove it ('off') from a list.
Actually means
To put a line through something on a list because you've done it or don't need it anymore.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cross off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
list name item task bucket list to-do list
How to conjugate "cross off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cross off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "cross off"
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