cross over
1. verb To pass over something, as from an elevated position. Can we use the bridge to cross over the creek? I don't want to get wet. I'm sorry, you expect me to cross over the river by swinging on this rope? Yeah, not a chance! Bridges and heights both freak me out, so I definitely can't look down when we cross over the river!
2. verb To move from one place to another, as by crossing some sort of border, barrier, or stretch of land; to cross. Thousands of refugees are expected to cross over the border in the coming months. We have to cross over an entire desert before we reach an outpost. Hey, we're about to cross over the border, so get your passport ready.
3. verb To become successful in a separate but related field or genre. Don't expect to reach George Clooney's level of success—few television actors are able to cross over to movies so seamlessly. The pop star actually began her career as a country singer before she crossed over. A: "Oh, I didn't realize you crossed over to baseball in high school." B: "Yep, and thank goodness I did—I would never have been drafted as a football player."
4. verb To cause someone to become successful in a separate but related field or genre. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cross" and "over." A successful TV show could cross you over into movies one day. Right now, I'm only a stunt man. What will it take to cross me over into acting roles? My team is trying to cross me over into country music, but I'm actually very content making rock music.
5. verb To change one's affiliation with something; to join a different side or party. She used to be a devout Catholic, so I'm surprised to hear that she's now crossed over to Judaism. I didn't realize that Uncle Roger was once a Democrat, since he crossed over to the Republican Party so long ago. I would never cross over to management, not after so many years in the union.
6. verb, euphemism To die. It's been a year since my grandfather crossed over, and I still miss him just as much. We'll all cross over to the other side one day, so you better make the best of life while you can. I'm so sorry to hear that Tom has crossed over. When is his funeral?
7. noun A creative work, such as a television episode or story, that incorporates characters from a different (often related) show or story. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. I can't wait for the crossover of Supergirl and The Flash! Ugh, why are so many episodes of Grey's Anatomy a crossover with Station 19 anymore? If that new show isn't doing well, get ready for a million crossovers to try and reel in people who watch the other shows in that "universe."
8. noun A vehicle that combines the features of a car and a sport utility vehicle (SUV). It is typically bigger than a traditional car and smaller than a traditional SUV. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated or written as one word. After having this tiny car for so long, I think I want a crossover next. I didn't want anything huge, I just wanted to sit up higher in my car, so this crossover has been the perfect compromise. Now that we have another baby on the way, it's time to trade in our crossover for either a full-size SUV or a minivan.
9. noun In basketball, a move in which the player dribbles the ball one way before quickly changing direction in order to pass by the defender. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. He's known for his lightning quick crossover, which has left some defenders tumbling on the floor. She's very exciting player to watch. She has such incredible control of the ball, and her crossover always seems to trip up opposing players. You've got the size to play basketball, sure, but you need to work on your crossover and other fundamentals.
10. noun In ice skating, a move accomplished by alternating the skating foot by crossing one over the other to gain momentum or change direction. Used for varying purposes in both figure skating and ice hockey. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. You'd better learn how to do a proper crossover if you want to bring your skating to the next level. This drill isn't just to see how fast you can skate blue line to blue line—you have to do a crossover to get yourself moving. I used to be a pretty good skater, but I'm scared to attempt a crossover or skating backwards right now—that's a little too advanced for me!
11. adjective Describing someone that is successful in two separate but related fields or genres. When used as an adjective, the phrase is usually written as one word. Don't expect to reach George Clooney's level of success—few television actors are able to become a crossover star so quickly. Why are you pushing her to be a crossover singer when she's already been massively successful in the pop genre? And how exactly does she plan to become a legitimate crossover actress when she's just known as a "real housewife"?
12. adjective Describing something that blends two distinct but related things, as to appeal to a wide audience. When used as an adjective, the phrase is usually written as one word. A TV show that's also a musical is a crossover dream—think of the audience we'll capture! I can't wait for the crossover episode of Supergirl and The Flash! If that new show isn't doing well, get ready for a million crossover episodes to reel in people who watch the other shows in that "universe."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.