tick off
Verb (transitive) 1. To mark an item on a list with a checkmark (✓) to indicate completion, verification, or selection. 2. To make someone angry or annoyed; to reprimand or scold someone. (This is a separate, informal meaning, often used in British English.)
The primary meaning involves systematically reviewing a list and marking items. It implies a methodical process. The secondary meaning is idiomatic and describes causing irritation.
Primary Meaning (to mark with a check): * "She ticked off each completed task on her to-do list." * "Can you tick off the names of the people who have arrived?" * "I ticked the box off to confirm my agreement."
Secondary Meaning (to annoy/reprimand): * "His constant complaining really ticks me off." * "The manager ticked off the employee for being late." * "It ticks her off when people don't listen."
- The phrasal verb is separable. You can say "tick off an item" or "tick an item off."
- In the "annoy" sense, it is often used in the passive voice: "I was really ticked off by his rude comment."
- Tick (verb): The base form, meaning to make a light, recurring click or to mark with a tick. ("The clock ticks." / "Tick the correct answer.")
- Check off (verb): A direct synonym for the primary meaning.
- Mark off (verb): A direct synonym for the primary meaning.
- Cross off (verb): To mark an item with a line or 'X', usually to remove it from consideration.
For the primary meaning (to mark): * Check off * Mark off * Check * Mark
For the secondary meaning (to annoy): * Annoy * Irritate * Anger * Reprimand (for the "scold" sense) * Bother
- Tick over: (British English) To run or function slowly but steadily, often at a minimum level. ("The business is just ticking over during the holiday season.")
- Tick away/by: (Of time) to pass, especially when emphasized by a sound like a clock. ("The seconds ticked away as we waited.")
- What makes someone tick: What motivates someone or causes them to behave as they do. ("I've never understood what makes him tick.")
- On tick: (British, informal) On credit. ("He bought the suit on tick.")
- put a check mark on or near or next to
- Please check each name on the list
- tick off the items
- mark off the units