Definition of check off

The phrase "check off" initially referred to the process of marking items on a list or tally sheet using a checkmark. This term originated during the late 19th century when officials would use a check or a cross to indicate that a particular task or duty had been completed. The term began to be associated with the practice of allowing employees to select the deductions they preferred from their salary in a benefits program in the early 20th century. Employees could choose which deductions they wanted to be taken out of their salary, such as health insurance, retirement savings, or other benefits, by simply "checking off" the options they wanted. Over time, the phrase "check off" evolved to mean selecting items from a list or menu, especially when electing options during registration, sign-up, or selection processes. It's now commonly used in various contexts, such as choosing food items from a menu, signing up for services or programs, and opting for specific benefits through one's employer.