sign

be a sign of the times

to be something that shows that society is worse now than it was in the past. Young people are so rude these days. It's a sign of the times.

See also: times

dollar signs in someone's eyes (American & Australian)

if someone has dollar signs in their eyes, they are thinking about the money they could get. Local taxi drivers approached us with dollar signs in their eyes.

See also: dollar, eye

sign something's death warrant

to cause an organization or an activity to fail or end. The cancellation of the multi-million dollar order signed the company's death warrant.

See also: death, warrant

sign on the dotted line

to formally agree to something by signing a legal document. According to promoter Andrew James, the band has signed on the dotted line and will be playing at the Coliseum on November 2, 3 and 4.

See also: dot, line

sign your own death warrant

to do something which will stop you from being successful. The company signed its own death warrant by choosing to remain independent rather than going into partnership.

See also: death, warrant

sign/take the pledge (humorous)

to decide that you are never going to drink alcohol again. Why are you drinking Coke? Have you signed the pledge or something?

See also: take

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sign away something

to give up your claim to something by writing your name on a document. He tricked her into signing away the property that she intended to leave to her friend. You're signing your rights away when you sign that form.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form sign your life away give up all your rights: It felt like we had to sign our lives away to get a loan from the bank.

See also: away

sign in

to write your name on an official list when entering a place. Messengers are required to sign in at the front desk.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form sign someone in to write someone's name on an official list when they enter a place: An elegantly dressed young woman signed us in at the door.

sign out

a sign of the times

something that shows what a society is like now. Young people are so rude, but I guess it's just a sign of the times.

Usage notes: most often refers to negative characteristics

See also: times

sign off

to end a television or radio broadcast. Both news programs came on the air at 4:36 p.m. and both signed off at 4:59 p.m. What will the network air on Tuesdays now that one of its most popular programs is signing off?

sign off (on something)

to officially agree to or support something. Mary has to sign off on any expenses over $2,500. A judge must sign off on a search of anyone's property. If all parties sign off, the settlement would end eight years of court battles.

Usage notes: often used when someone agrees to something by putting their signature on an official document

sign on the dotted line

to formally agree to something. We signed on the dotted line Wednesday and will move into our new house next week.

Etymology: from the lines on a legal document where a person signs their name to show they agree to it

See also: dot, line

sign out

to write your name on an official list when leaving a place. Make sure you sign out if you leave the office after 8 p.m.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form sign someone out to write someone's name on an official list when they leave a place: Can you sign me out, Mitch?

sign in

sign over something

to give up your rights to something by writing your name on a document. He signed over his death benefits in exchange for cash. She agreed to sign the deed over to me.

See also: over

sign (someone) up

to join or invite someone to join a group or organization. Kathy signed up for the soccer team this year. The team signed him up for two years. Local officials worked to sign up students to the summer jobs program.

Usage notes: often used when someone puts their signature on an official document