box off
Meaning(s)
1. to separate an area from the rest of sth
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
box off a room/area/section
Analysis
To 'box something off' is to separate something from other things or another area: "We should box off the sculptures from the interactive pieces to prevent any damage to the artwork." You can 'box off' a room, an area or a section of something. This can be used in social or professional contexts and is similar to the phrases 'to enclose' or 'to tape off.'
Social Examples (Advance)
- By building the new wall, the couple boxed off their bathroom.
- The farmer boxed off a corner of his shed to house his new sheepdog.
- There's a little boxed-off area around the side of the building where the kids can play.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- If we box off this corner for the Accounting Department, they can work without everyone distracting them.
Further Suggestions
build on 2. complete a task and leave free for another
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
get the project/task/assignment boxed off
Analysis
To have something ‘boxed off’ means that you have it completed or finished. This is a more colloquial use of this term but can be used in professional settings. Similar in meaning to ‘tick the box’.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Once I had the assignment boxed off, I was free to move on to other work.
- I'm going to get all the packing boxed off before I start moving things to the new house.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Okay, everyone, please hurry up. We need to get this project boxed off by Friday.
- Can I confirm we have the venue boxed off for our meeting next month?