check (one's) bags through (to) (some place)
To request that one's luggage be sent to one's final destination, as when traveling through multiple cities or via different modes of transportation. I don't have any luggage with me because I checked my bags through to Rome. Just check your bags through, and then you don't have to worry about keeping track of them at every stop. But I already checked my bags through to Miami. Is that going to be a problem now that our connecting flight is delayed?
check (one's) blood pressure
To measure one's blood pressure. I'll need to check your blood pressure before we begin. The doctor told me to check my blood pressure twice a day to see if there was any adverse reaction to the medication. The nurse checked my blood pressure and told me what it was, and I've already forgotten.
check (one's) luggage through (to) (some place)
To request that one's luggage be sent to one's final destination, as when traveling through multiple cities or via different modes of transportation. I don't have any bags with me because I checked my luggage through to Rome. Just check your luggage through, and then you don't have to worry about keeping track of them at every stop. But I already checked my luggage through to Miami. Is that going to be a problem now that our connecting flight is delayed?
check and balance
1. noun An action within a power structure meant to keep a person or section from abusing or consolidating power. The new regulatory committee is meant to be a check and balance for companies exhibiting monopolistic behaviors. The bill is framed as a check and balance for the powers of state prosecutors, but opponents claim it will make it harder to prosecute corruption at a government level. Why are people surprised he's taken over the company? There was no check and balance in place to stop him!
2. verb To act in a way that limits the abuse or consolidation of someone's power; to keep someone or some group in check. It's critical that all three sectors continue checking and balancing each other to ensure a fair division of power. We always subject our financial reports to third-party auditors in order to check and balance our firm's practices. I thought your department was supposed to check and balance the decisions being made in the C-suite.
check back
To ask about someone or something again later; follow up. I don't have an update on that shipment right now, but check back later. Check back in an hour, the cookies should be done by then. I did check back, but the lab said they didn't have the results yet.
check in
1. To officially confirm one's arrival at a certain place where one is expected, such as a hotel. I'll go check in at the front desk and get our room key. Tara is checking in for the exam at the registration table. Once you check in with Security, the interviewer will come down and get you.
2. To officially record someone's or something's arrival at a certain place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "check" and "in." Sir, I can check you in over here. We need to check in all these students before they're given the test materials. The librarian already checked those books in.
3. To communicate with someone at a certain interval in time so as to provide or ask about an update in status or otherwise simply talk. Hi Mom, I'm just checking in to see if you're feeling any better. Has anyone checked in with the publisher? When will the next issue be finished? Hey, check in with your mother once in a while when you're away at college, will you?
4. To die. That rickety old car will definitely check in before you make it to the mechanic. A: "Wait, Ed's still alive? Yikes, why did I think he'd already checked in?" B: "Probably because he's about 100 years old?" A: "I did want to make a smoothie this morning, but the blender checked in." B: "Ah, so that's the terrible noise I was hearing."
check into
1. To officially confirm one's arrival at a certain place where one is expected, such as a hotel. I'll check into the hotel and get our room key. Where do we check into the conference? Wait, we seriously can't check into our hotel until 4:00 PM? Well, what are we supposed to do till then?
2. To voluntarily seek medical care at the hospital (as opposed to being rushed there by ambulance). In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is used between "check" and "into." I'm glad I checked myself into the hospital because the pain turned out to be appendicitis! You better check yourself into the hospital so they can figure out why you keep fainting. You really think I should check myself into the hospital? Come on, it's just a headache.
3. To officially record someone's or something's arrival at a certain place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "check" and "into." Sir, I can check you into the hotel over here. Can you check these books into the system? Just head over there and one of the volunteers will check you into the conference.
4. To investigate something. Please check into these discrepancies in the budget, and let me know what you find out. I checked into the candidate's work history, and now I'm positive he lied on his résumé. I can't apply for a job like that—they'll definitely check into my background and see my arrest record!
check off
To mark someone or something as present, verified, or completed, as on a list. A noun or pronoun can be used between "check" and "off." Checking things off my to-do list is so satisfying. Please check off each step as you do it. Don't worry, I checked you off when I took attendance.
check on (someone or something)
To check the status, condition, or well-being of someone or something through an inspection or visit. We need to check on Grandma and see how she is coping with all this snow. I just checked on the baby, and he's still sleeping. Can you check on the dryer and tell me if it's still running?
check out
1. verb To confirm that one has vacated one's hotel room (and pay the bill). We have to check out in an hour, so you guys seriously need to start packing! Yep, we're all checked out now, so we can go. Wait, we seriously have to check out of our hotel room at 11:00 AM? What are we supposed to do until our flight?
2. verb To investigate, inspect, or look at something of interest. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "check" and "out." We checked out that house on the corner, but the price was too high considering all the work it needs. Wow, check this out—someone in the next town over won the lottery last week! Check out George over there. That dude knows how to dress!
3. verb To be verified as true, accurate, or meeting a certain standard. Surprisingly, her story checks out—she really was at the library until midnight last night. There's no way this kid's résumé checks out. How could he possibly have done all these things by the age of 20? A: "Wait, that suspect's alibi actually checked out?" B: "Yep. He had no involvement with the crime."
4. verb To become unfocused or distracted; to cease participating in a meaningful way. Well, he's still blabbing away, but I couldn't tell you what he's talking about now—I checked out a while ago. I know Jim is retiring at the end of June, but he's already checked out if you ask me. The kids are already checked out and in summer vacation mode.
5. verb To complete a purchase by providing payment at the final point of sale, as in a retail store. I'm checking out right now, so I'll be out to the car in a minute. I'm about to check out—is there anything else you needed from the store? I'm going to check out now, before I can add anything else to my cart!
6. verb To tally one's purchases and take payment for them. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "check" and "out." The cashier is checking me out right now, so I'll be out to the car in a minute. Please check out these customers while I see if we have any more of those items in the back. Once several more cashiers arrived to check people out, the line finally started moving.
7. verb To complete the necessary steps so that one can borrow something from a system, such as a library. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "check" and "out." What books did you check out from the library this week? Can I check these books out, or are they reference only? I'm sorry, it looks like someone has already checked that book out.
8. verb, slang To look with interest at someone who one finds attractive. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "check" and "out." That cute guy over there is totally checking you out! Would you two just talk to each other already? You've been checking each other out all night! Why would that hot redhead be checking out nerds like us?
9. verb, slang To die. Doctor, I'm not ready to check out yet, so I'm willing to try your most aggressive approach. A: "Wait, Ed's still alive? Yikes, why did I think he'd already checked out?" B: "Probably because he's about 100 years old?" My mom is terrified of flying because she's convinced that's how she'll check out.
10. noun The time at which one must vacate one's hotel room. When used as a noun, the phrase is often written as one word. Checkout is at 11 AM, so you guys need to start packing now! What are we supposed to do after checkout? Our flight isn't for another 8 hours! You kids better have all your toys, because we can't come back to the room after checkout.
11. noun The area of a store at which purchases are made. When used as a noun, the phrase is often written as one word. I'm at the checkout right now, so I hope there isn't anything else you need from the store. Once several more cashiers arrived at the checkout, the line finally started moving. The impulse buys at the checkout always get me. No, no, I can't pick up anything else!
check out from (something)
1. To confirm that one has vacated one's hotel room (and pay the bill). We have to check out from the hotel in an hour, so you guys seriously need to start packing! The man's body was discovered when he didn't check out from his hotel room at the appointed time. Wait, we seriously have to check out from our hotel room at 11:00 AM? What are we supposed to do until our flight?
2. By extension, to complete the necessary steps that will allow one to leave a particular place. I can't check out from the office right now, but I'll be home as soon as I can. Did you scan your ID card? That'll unlock the door and allow you to check out from the records room. Make sure you set the alarm before you check out from the office for the day.
3. To complete the necessary steps so that one can borrow something from a system, such as a library. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is can be used between "check" and "out." What books did you check out from the library this week? I'm sorry, it looks like someone has already checked that book out from our branch. But I can see if any of the other local libraries have it. Hey, where are you going with all that equipment? Did you check it out from the lab first?
check out of (something)
1. To confirm that one has vacated one's hotel room (and pay the bill). We have to check out of the hotel in an hour, so you guys seriously need to start packing! The man's body was discovered when he didn't check out of his hotel room at the appointed time. Wait, we seriously have to check out of our hotel room at 11:00 AM? What are we supposed to do until our flight?
2. By extension, to complete the necessary steps that will allow one to leave a particular place. I can't check out of the office right now, but I'll be there as soon as I can. Did you scan your ID card? That'll unlock the door and allow you to check out of the records room. Make sure you set the alarm before you check out of the office for the day.
3. To complete the necessary steps so that one can borrow something from a system, such as a library. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is commonly used between "check" and "out." What books did you check out of the library this week? You'll need to check the equipment out before you can take it from the lab. I'm sorry, it looks like someone has already checked that book out of our branch. But I can see if any of the other local libraries have it.
check out the plumbing
euphemism To urinate or defecate; to go the bathroom. I'll be right back—I just have to check out the plumbing. Jim went to check out the plumbing—he should be back any minute. After all that coffee, I need to check out the plumbing before we leave.
check over
To examine or assess someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "check" and "over." Don't move until the paramedics check you over. While the students were busy taking the test, I checked over their homework. I did check over that kid's résumé, and I'm skeptical. How could he possibly have done all these things by the age of 20?
check through
1. To inspect or examine one or more things. Check through the fridge and tell me if we have any of the ingredients for this recipe. I checked through the entire file but I didn't see that document in there. You checked through your entire closet and you still didn't find that dress? Darn.
2. To grant one entrance to a particular place, area, or event after verifying one's credentials (such as an admission ticket or official paperwork). In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "check" and "through." We have tickets to the show right here, so why can't you just check us through? Hey, you can't just waltz into the building—the Security booth has to check you through! I need to see your boarding pass and ID before I can check you through.
3. To request that one's luggage be sent to one's final destination, as when traveling through multiple cities or via different modes of transportation. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "check" and "through." I don't have any luggage with me because I checked my bags through to Rome. Just check your bags through, and then you don't have to worry about keeping track of them at every stop. But I already checked my luggage through to Miami. Is that going to be a problem now that our connecting flight is delayed?
4. To allow to travel through multiple cities without requiring one to show one's ticket at each stop. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "check" and "through." You don't need to be in this line, ma'am, since you've already been checked through. I'm only here for a connecting flight, so can't I just be checked through? Thank goodness we had already been checked through because we had to run to make our flight!
check up
1. verb To check the status, condition, or well-being of someone or something through an inspection or visit. We need to check up on Grandma and see how she is coping with all this snow. I just checked up on the baby, and he's still sleeping. Can you check up on the dryer and tell me if it's still running?
2. noun A visit to a doctor for an examination, often as part of routine monitoring (rather than for an acute condition or reason). In this usage, the phrase is often hyphenated. Oh, it's just my yearly check-up, nothing to worry about. You will need to give your patient regular check-ups to make sure that their cancer remains in remission. I know it's commonly held that people should get yearly check-ups with their doctor, but going to the doctor—for any reason—just totally stresses me out.
check up on (someone or something)
1. To check the status, condition, or well-being of someone or something through an inspection or visit. We need to check up on Grandma and see how she is coping with all this snow. I just checked up on the baby, and he's still sleeping. Can you check up on the dryer and tell me if it's still running?
2. To monitor what one is doing, especially when such attention is unwelcome or irritating to the one being monitored. Well, this work would go a lot faster if you quit checking up on me every five minutes! Mom, everything is fine here, I promise. You don't need to check up on me twice a day. If the boss actually trusted us with this project, he wouldn't be checking up us on so much, geez.
check with (someone)
To consult or confer with someone about something. I'm the lead person on this campaign, so please check with me before making any big decisions. Check with Harold if you have any questions about this case. A: "I checked with Mom, and she said that I could have ice cream for dinner." B: "Oh, really? Is that so?"
check with (something)
To match or agree with something. Run this test again and see if the results check with the ones from yesterday. The suspect's statement does not check with the information witnesses have given us. Really, Bill said he called at 10? That doesn't check with the message my secretary gave me.
fact check
To attempt to verify the accuracy of information that will be or has been published or circulated. Typically done as part of a journalistic enterprise. Did anyone think to fact check the quotes before we ran this article? Because he's denying everything we printed. There are now several organizations devoted to fact checking everything the administration says. If no one has fact checked your article, we can't print it yet.
spot check
1. noun An inspection that is random and/or occurs only for a limited time. Because I've gotten reports that some of you are abandoning your posts early, there will be spot checks for the foreseeable future.
2. verb To make such an inspection. Because I've gotten reports that some of you are abandoning your posts early, I will be spot checking you all for the foreseeable future.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
check back
(on someone or something) to look into the state of someone or something again at a later time. I'll have to check back on you later.
check back (with someone)
to inquire of someone again at a later time. Please check back with me later.
check in
(at something) to go to a place to record one's arrival. When you get there, check in at the front office.
check in
(on someone or something) Go to look in (on someone or something).
check in
(with someone) to go to someone and indicate that one has arrived some place. Please check in with the desk clerk.
check in
(to something) 1. to sign oneself into a place to stay, such as a hotel, hospital, motel, etc. She checked into a private hospital for some kind of treatment. They checked into the first motel they came to on the highway.
2. Go to look into something.
check out
[for someone or something] to prove to be correctly represented. Everything you told me checks out with what other witnesses said.
check out (of something)
and check out (from something)to do whatever is necessary to leave a place and then depart, (check out (of something) is more frequent.) I will check out of the hotel at about noon. I will check out from the office and come right to where you are.
check out the plumbing
Euph. to go to the bathroom. (The order is fixed.) I think I'd better check out the plumbing before we get on the highway.
check someone in
to record the arrival of someone. Ask the guard to check you in when you get there. Tell the guard to check in the visitors as they arrive.
check someone or something off
to mark or cross out the name of a person or thing on a list. I am glad to see that you were able to come. I will check you off. I checked the items off. I checked off the recent arrivals.
check someone or something out
to evaluate someone or something. That stock sounds good. I'll check it out. I'll check out the competition.
check someone or something out (of something)
to do the paperwork necessary to remove someone or something from something or some place. I will have the manager check you out of the hotel and send you the bill. The librarian checked out the computer to me.
check someone or something over
to examine someone or something closely. You should have the doctor check you over before you go back to work. The doctor checked over the children who had shown the worst symptoms. The mechanic checked the car over.
check someone or something through (something)
to allow one to pass through something after checking one's identification, tickets, passes, etc. (Fixed order.) The guard checked us through the gate, and we went about our business. We checked them through security.
check something in
1. to record that someone has returned something. I asked the librarian to check the book in for me. Did the librarian check in the book?
2. to take something to a place, return it, and make sure that its return has been recorded. I checked the book in on time. Did you really check in the book on time?
3. to examine a shipment or an order received and make certain that everything ordered was received. I checked the order in and sent a report to the manager. Tim checked in the order from the supplier to make sure that everything was there.
check something out
to examine or try something; to think about something. It's something we all have to be concerned with. Check it out. Check out the new comedy show on tonight.
check through something
to examine something or a collection of things. (Usually refers to papers or written work, or to details in the paperwork.) Check through this and look for missing pages. I'll check through it for typographical errors also.
check up (on someone or something)
to determine the state of someone or something. Please don't check up on me. I can be trusted. I see no need to check up.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.