tick off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Mark items on a list as done
British. Americans usually say check off. Compare the regional counterpart.
Why “off”? Something is delayed, interrupted, reduced, or brought to an end.
“She ticked off each task.”
“He ticked off the shopping items.”
Don't confuse with
Tick off means mark items on a list as done. Tick by means of time, pass second by second, often when waiting.
Test yourself
“She ticked off each task.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
tick by
A contrast learners often mix up
Of time, pass second by second, often when waiting
back off
Same off pattern: stopping
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
blow off
Same off pattern: stopping
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: stopping
Suddenly end a relationship, discussion, activity, or official contact; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; Take a short pause from an activity
buy off
Same off pattern: stopping
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
call off
Same off pattern: stopping
Cancel a planned event
check off
Same off pattern: stopping
Mark items on a list as done or counted
clear off
Same off pattern: stopping
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay a debt completely
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