check off

To put a mark beside something on a list to show it is chosen, checked, or finished.

• Check off each name on the list.
• I checked off the jobs I had finished.
• Have you checked all the boxes off?

How to use it: check something off (Check each item off as you pack it.); check something off a list (She checked milk off the shopping list.)

Similar words: tick off, mark off

Common phrases: check off something, check off completed tasks

To finish a task or remove a possible choice, often following a list.

• We checked off three errands today.
• She checked off another goal by finishing her first race.
• They checked off the unsuitable options before choosing a venue.

How to use it: check something off (We checked several small jobs off before lunch.)

Similar words: complete, eliminate

Common phrases: check off something, check off daily tasks

To take union membership payments directly from workers’ pay.

• The employer checks off union dues.
• Membership fees were checked off from their wages.
• Workers must agree before the company can check off their dues.

How to use it: check off something from something (The company checks off union dues from monthly wages.)

Similar words: deduct, withhold

Common phrases: check off union dues, check off membership fees

In prison, to ask staff to keep you separate from other prisoners for your safety.

• He checked off after receiving threats.
• The inmate decided to check off for his own safety.
• Other prisoners threatened her, so she checked off.

Similar words: request protective custody

Common phrases: check off in prison, check off for protection