Expressions used in Everyday Spoken English in Social and Professional contexts
box off
box off
Meaning(s)
1) to separate an area from the rest of sth
How to MemorizePopularity MediumProfessional MediumSocial
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.
How to MemorizePopularity MediumProfessional MediumSocial
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?