sign (one's) John Hancock
To sign one's name. John Hancock, an influential figure in the American Revolution, is known for his especially large and legible signature on the Declaration of Independence. Primarily heard in US. As soon as you sign your John Hancock here, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! Make sure you look over the details of the contract carefully before you sign your John Hancock.
sign (one's) life away
To forfeit one's rights or control over some integral aspect of one's life, typically one's financial interests, as through some signed deal or agreement. Because our financial portfolio was so bad, we basically had to sign our lives away to get approved for a mortgage with the bank. If you agree to this plea bargain, the government will have total control over your property, accounts, and future revenue—so think very carefully before you sign your life away.
sign (something) into law
To ratify a piece of legislation by putting one's signature onto it. The president has refused to sign into law any legislation that does not include funding for her controversial infrastructure plan. The governor has already indicated that he will sign the bill into law if it passes through the state senate.
sign away
To sign an agreement giving away or relinquishing something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "away." Many people unwittingly sign away their right to privacy when they use these high-tech devices. He signed the deed to the house away in a drunken game of high-stakes poker.
sign for
1. To provide one's signature in order to receive or approve of something. Your package is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Please be sure someone will be present to sign for it. A: "I need a signature saying this project was approved." B: "I can sign for it."
2. To provide one's signature (on or for something) in lieu of someone else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "for." The boss isn't here right now, but I can for her. Sarah will be signing all time slips for me while I'm away.
sign in
1. verb To record one's or someone else's attendance or arrival in a log book or register. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "in." All visitors must sign in before they will be allowed to see the patients. Would you mind signing your wife in? It's hospital policy.
2. verb To access a digital account or network, typically by entering personal credentials; to log in. I'm having trouble signing in to my computer, so I haven't had a chance to check my email yet. The website will ask you to sign in before you complete your purchase.
3. verb To allow someone to access a digital account or network; to log someone in. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "in." I've having trouble accessing my account from home—any chance IT can sign me in remotely?
4. noun The act of accessing a digital account or network, typically by entering personal credentials. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated. If we make the sign-in too difficult, no one will use the app.
sign into (something)
1. To enter one's or someone else's name or signature onto a ledger in order to be admitted into some place or event. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "into." Everyone has to sign into the event so no one can slip through without paying. Please sign your child into playgroup at the start of each session. You should sign yourself into a hospital if that pain doesn't ease up.
2. To enter into a computer, website, or computer program by entering in the required personal information, such as a password and username. I can sign into the computer at the library and email you the files from there. You will have to sign into the website before you can complete your purchase.
sign off
1. To end or announce the end of a program, transmission, broadcast, or other mass communication. And that brings us to the end of today's show. Until next time, this is your host, John Bicksby, signing off.
2. To end one's session in a digital account or network (typically one accessed by having entered personal credentials); to log off. If you're using a public computer, always make sure you sign off at the end of your session.
3. To cause someone's session in a digital account or network to be ended; to log someone off. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is usually used between "sign" and "off." Just when I was about to finalize the purchase, the site signed me off.
sign off on (something)
To give express, formal approval of something, often by literally signing a document. We're just waiting for the boss to sign off on the project before we start working. My thesis supervisor has to sign off on each chapter I write to make sure I'm staying focused on the topic.
sign on
1. To become enlisted or recruited as an employee. Starting next fall, I'll be signing on as their new head of marketing. The labor pool continues to grow, with more people signing on every month.
2. To employee, enlist, or recruit someone to begin working for someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "on." We'll be hosting a huge campaign to sign on new talent for our up-and-coming design company. The local coal company has been trying to sign high school graduates on as an alternative to the traditional college route.
3. To announce or introduce a program, broadcast, or transmission, as on radio, television, or the internet. You need to remember to sign on before you begin your segment each morning. Part of the popular YouTuber's success is his very recognizable way of signing on at the beginning of each of his videos.
sign on the dotted line
To give one's formal agreement or assent by signing a legally binding contract document. We've approved you for a $10,000 loan. You just need to sign on the dotted line, and we'll transfer the funds to your account. Be sure to read all the fine print before you sign on the dotted line.
sign out
1. To record one's departure in a list, log book, or register. All visitors must sign out when they are leaving the premises. Please remember to sign out when you have finished your shift, or else your pay for that period may not be calculated correctly.
2. To enter one's or someone else's name in a list, log book, or register to record their departure from some place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "out." You'll have to have one of the adjudicators sign you out if you need to leave the exam room. A supervisor must sign out any employee who needs to leave work early.
3. To end or announce the end of a program, transmission, broadcast, or other mass communication. And that brings us to the end of today's show. Until next time, this is your host, John Bicksby, signing out.
4. To end one's session in a digital account or network (typically one accessed by having entered personal credentials); to log out. If you're using a public computer, always make sure you sign out at the end of your session. You should always sign out of these websites after you're finished shopping.
5. To cause someone's session in a digital account or network to be ended; to log someone out. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is usually used between "sign" and "out." Just when I was about to finalize the purchase, the site signed me out.
6. To record the temporary removal of something that one or someone else is borrowing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "out." You'll have to sign the equipment out if you want to take it from the lab. You can sign out three books at a time. You'll have to return them first if you want to borrow more.
sign out of (something or some place)
1. To record one's departure from some place in a list, log book, or register. All visitors must sign out of the building when they are leaving. This is a secured area, so you'll need to sign out of the room.
2. To enter someone else's name in a list, log book, or register to record their departure from some place. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sign" and "out." You'll have to have one of the adjudicators sign you out of the exam room if you need to leave the room. You have to be signed out of the warehouse by one of your supervisors if you need to leave work early.
3. To end one's session in a digital account or network (typically one accessed by having entered personal credentials). Always make sure to sign out of the computers in the library after you are finished. You should always sign out of these websites after you're finished shopping.
4. To end someone else's session in a digital account or network. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "sign" and "out." Don't worry, I went ahead and signed you out of the website. Sorry, I accidentally signed you out of your account on the computer.
sign over
To transfer the rights of ownership or possession to someone else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "over." The wealthy widow signed over her entire estate to her only granddaughter. You should never borrow money from loan sharks like these—you may end up signing over everything you own to them.
sign up
1. To enlist or enroll oneself or someone in something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "up." My mother signed me up for piano lessons on the weekend. She signed up with a talent agency to try to land some gigs.
2. To subscribe oneself or someone to something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "sign" and "up." If you sign up a friend for the service, you'll get $20 credit to your account. You should sign yourself up to our monthly newsletter if you want to know our latest products and promotional offers.
sign with (someone or something)
To sign a contract of employment with a particular group or organization. Used especially in reference to professional athletes. The star quarterback has signed with the Miami Dolphins for the next season. I'm planning on signing with the law firm in California, unless the firm in New York offers me a better deal.
signed and sealed
Officially approved or verified; successfully executed or completed. Once the contract is signed and sealed, we'll send an engineer to the house to set up the new satellite dish. The deal between the two companies has been signed and sealed.
signed, sealed, and delivered
Officially approved or verified; successfully executed or completed. Once the contract is signed, sealed, and delivered, we'll send an engineer to the house to set up the new satellite dish. The deal between the two companies has been signed, sealed, and delivered.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
sign for someone
to sign something, using one's own signature in place of someone else's signature; to sign something, using another person's name, adding the phrase "by [one's own name]." He's not here. I will sign for him. Where do I sign? Who will sign for Mr. Wilson?
sign for something
to sign a piece of paper indicating that one has received something. Would you sign for this, please? Ted signed for the package and opened it up.
sign in
to indicate that one has arrived somewhere and at what time by signing a piece of paper or a list. Please sign in so we will know you are here. Did you remember to sign in this time?
sign off
1. Lit. [for a broadcaster] to announce the end of programming for the day; [for an amateur radio operator] to announce the end of a transmission. Wally signed off and turned the transmitter off. Channel 43 failed to sign off at the scheduled time last night.
2. Fig. to quit doing what one has been doing and leave, go to bed, quit trying to do something, etc. I have to sign off and get to bed. See you all. When you finally sign off tonight, please turn out all the lights.
sign on
to announce the beginning of a broadcast transmission. The announcer signed on and then played "The Star-Spangled Banner." We usually sign on at six in the morning.
sign on the dotted line
1. Lit. to indicate one's agreement or assent by placing one's signature on a special line provided for that purpose. (The line may be solid or dotted.) I agreed to the contract, but I haven't signed on the dotted line yet. When you have signed on the dotted line, please give me a call.
2. Fig. to indicate one's agreement to something. Okay. I agree to your terms. I'll sign on the dotted line. He is thinking favorably about going with us to Canada, but he hasn't signed on the bottom line.
sign on (with someone or something) (as something)
to join up with someone or something in a particular capacity by signing a contract or agreement. I signed on with the captain of the Felicity Anne as first mate. Roger signed on as manager for the new store.
sign out
to indicate that one is leaving a place or going out temporarily by signing a piece of paper or a list. I forgot to sign out when I left. Please sign out every time you leave.
sign someone in
to record that someone has arrived somewhere and at what time by recording the information on a paper or a list. I will sign you in. What is your name? Do I have to sign in everyone?
sign someone on
to employ someone; to recruit someone as an employee. How many workers did the manager sign on? The construction company signed on ten new workers.
sign someone up (for something)
to record the agreement of someone, including oneself, to participate in something. Has anyone signed you up for the office picnic? Can you sign up Liz for the party?
sign someone up (with someone or something)
to record the agreement of someone to join someone, a group of people, or an organization. I want to sign George up with our softball team. Tom signed up his friends with the agency.
sign something away
to sign a paper in which one gives away one's rights to something. Valerie signed her rights away. she signed away her claim to the money.
sign something for someone
1. to sign one's signature on a paper in place of someone else's signature. Would you please sign this for me? I can't sign it right now. Would you sign it for me?
2. to sign a paper for another person, using that person's name, adding the phrase "by [one's own name]." When the delivery comes, will you please sign my name for me? I signed Ted's name for him.
sign something in
to record that something has been received at a particular time by recording the information on a paper or a list. I have to sign this package in, then I will be right with you. should I sign in this shipment now?
sign something over (to someone)
to sign a paper granting the rights to or ownership of something to a specific person. Larry signed all the rights to his book over to the publisher. He signed over all the rights to the publisher.
sign up (for something)
to record one's agreement to participate in something. I want to sign up for guitar lessons. We will sign up as soon as possible.
signed, sealed, and delivered
Fig. formally and officially signed; [for a formal document to be] executed. Here is the deed to the property—signed, sealed, and delivered. I can't begin work on this project until I have the contract signed, sealed, and delivered.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
signed, sealed, and delivered
Completed satisfactorily, as in The house is sold-signed, sealed, and delivered. This idiom refers to a legal deed, which to be valid had to be signed by the seller, sealed with a wax seal, and delivered to the new owner. It began to be used more loosely in the first half of the 1900s.
sign in
Record one's arrival by signing a register, as in
He signed in both himself and his wife. [c. 1930] For the antonym, see
sign out.
sign off
1. Announce the end of a communication, especially a broadcast. For example, There's no one there now; the station has signed off for the night. [c. 1920]
2. Stop talking, become silent, as in Every time the subject of marriage came up, Harold signed off. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]
3. Express approval formally or conclusively, as in The President got the majority leader to sign off on the tax proposal. This usage is colloquial.
sign on
1. Enlist oneself as an employee, as in Arthur decided to sign on with the new software company. [Late 1800s]
2. Begin radio or television broadcasting, especially at the beginning of the day, as in What time does the station sign on? [c. 1920]
sign on the dotted line
Agree formally or fully, as in The deal is just about fixed; all they have to do is sign on the dotted line. This idiom refers to the broken line traditionally appearing at the bottom of a legal document, indicating the place for one's signature. [Early 1900s]
sign out
Record the departure of a person or the removal of an object, as in He turned in his room key and signed out about an hour ago, or I asked the librarian how many books I could sign out. [c. 1930]
sign over
Legally dispose of or make over to a different owner, as in She signed over nearly all of her property to the church. [Early 1700s]
sign up
Enlist in an organization; also, register or subscribe to something. For example, He signed up for four years in the navy, or Are you planning to sign up for that pottery class? [Early 1900s]
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.