cross off

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle off

Meanings

1

Draw a line through a name or item to remove it from a list

Separation

Why “off”? A piece detaches from the whole. Contact with the body is broken.

“Cross my name off the list.”
Draw a line through my name to remove it from the list.
“Cross the old address off the form.”
Draw a line through the old address to remove it from the form.
2

Decide a person or thing is no longer to be considered

Separation
“They crossed him off the guest list.”
They removed him from the guest list.
“We crossed that hotel off our list.”
We decided not to consider that hotel anymore.

Don't confuse with

cross offcross over

Cross off means draw a line through a name or item to remove it from a list. Cross over means move from one side to the other.

Test yourself

“Cross my name off the list.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

cross over

A contrast learners often mix up

Move from one side to the other

back off

Same off pattern: separation

Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment

bite off

Same off pattern: separation

Remove a piece of something by biting it; Take on more than you can handle ("bite off more than you can chew"); Speak sharply and curtly

block off

Same off pattern: separation

Close off an area or route to prevent access; Reserve a period of time for a specific purpose

blow off

Same off pattern: separation

Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them

break off

Same off pattern: separation

End a relationship, talk or activity suddenly; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; End diplomatic, business or personal contact; Take a short pause from an activity

brush off

Same off pattern: separation

Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely

chip off

Same off pattern: separation

Break a small piece from something

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