after you

after (someone or something)

1. Following someone or something in a sequential manner. B comes after A in the alphabet. Karen was in line first, so you can go on the ride after her. It's a double feature, meaning they show one movie right after the other.

2. In pursuit of someone or something. Todd seemed pretty upset when he left, so I ran after him to see if he was all right. Sarah's always been one to go after her dreams, so I'm not surprised she's such a successful businesswoman now. Once I realize that someone was chasing after me, I ducked into the nearest shop.

See also: after

after you

set phrase Used to politely urge or encourage another person to do something first. When they both reached the entrance at the same time, the man held the door open and said, "After you." Oh, you can bowl first—after you. A: "After you, my dear." B: "Why, thank you!"

See also: after

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

After you.

Please go ahead of me.; Please pass through ahead of me. Bob stepped back and made a motion with his hand indicating that Mary should go first. "After you," smiled Bob.

See also: after

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.