designate

designate (someone or something) as (something)

To label or name someone or something as something; to assign someone or something a specific role or status. The boss designated me as the point person for this project, so you guys have to listen to me. No, you can't sit here—Mom designated this as the kids' table. A: "Not only did the principal designate our parents as chaperones for the school dance, they also have to work the front door." B: "Ugh, so embarrassing!"

See also: designate

designated driver

A person who stays sober during a social gathering and is responsible for safely driving others from one location to another. Since Kara never drinks alcohol, she always offers to be the designated driver for her friends. I'm the designated driver, so can I just get a soda? A: "Those two are totally bombed. Please tell me they have a designated driver." B: "Yeah, that would be me, the sober one who was ready to leave two hours ago."

See also: designate, driver

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

designate someone or something as something

to choose or name someone or something as something. Alice will designate Andrew as our representative. She designated herself as the head of the committee.

See also: designate

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