due to (someone or something)
1. As a result of something. Due to the impending thunderstorms, the baseball game has been canceled. A: "Mr. Thomas died? Oh wow." B: "Yeah, apparently due to lung cancer." Unfortunately, tonight's club meeting has been canceled due to a lack of interest.
2. Apt, likely, or set to do something. I think you should try to sell your house now, as the skyrocketing prices in this area are due to drop soon. Both of my kids are sick, so I'm due to come down with something. He's never taken care of his car, so, in my estimation, it's due to break down any day now.
3. Owed to someone. I never got my last paycheck, so I have money due to me! No one has a career in professional sports due to them—not even the first overall draft pick. It's been such an awful year that something good has to be due to me by now!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
due to
1. Likely to, announced as, as in Betty bought more of the stock, believing it was due to rise, or The play is due to open next week. [Early 1900s]
2. Attributable to, because of, as in
Due to scanty rainfall, we may face a crop failure. This usage has been criticized by some authorities, but today it is widely considered standard. [Early 1900s] Also see
on account of.
3. Owing or payable to, as in We must give our staff whatever vacation is due to them.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.