UNTIL Meaning and
Definition
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Until is a preposition and conjunction that is primarily used to denote a point of time or event that something is expected to continue or persist. It refers to the period of time before a specific point, limit, or event occurs. It indicates a duration or duration of an action or state that spans up to a particular moment in time.
As a preposition, until can be used to indicate the duration of time leading up to a particular point: "I will wait until 5 pm." In this context, it implies that the waiting will persist until the mentioned time.
As a conjunction, until is used to connect two actions or states, highlighting the occurrence of the first state or action until the second state or action comes into existence: "He studied until he finished the book." This implies that the studying continued until the completion of the book.
Until may also be used to imply a condition that must be satisfied before a certain outcome or event occurs: "You cannot go out until you finish your homework." Here, the completion of homework acts as a condition that must be met before going out.
In summary, until is a versatile word that signifies the period of time leading up to a specific moment, event, or condition. It highlights the persistence or continuity of an action or state until a given point in time or event takes place.
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• To the time when; to the degree that, as, I shall wait till you arrive: prep. to the time of; to the time, as till to-morrow.
• To; till; as far as, with respect to time.
• As far as; to the point that; to the degree or time that.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for UNTIL *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for UNTIL
Etymology of UNTIL
The word "until" originated from the Old English term "unti-", which was a variant of "und-" meaning "up to" or "up to the time of". The Old English word traces its roots back to the Germanic language group, specifically the Proto-Germanic word "und-" which had a similar meaning. This word ultimately comes from the Indo-European root *ant-, meaning "front, forehead" or "in front of". Over time, "unti-" evolved into "until" in Middle English, and has been used in its current form since then.
Idioms with the word UNTIL
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wait till/until ...
The idiom "wait till/until ..." means to delay taking action or making a decision until a particular event or condition occurs. It implies that it is best to hold off on doing something until a more opportune or appropriate time arises.
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work till/until you drop
The idiom "work till/until you drop" means to work continuously and tirelessly until one is completely exhausted or unable to work anymore. It implies working extremely hard and pushing oneself to the limit without taking breaks or prioritizing personal well-being.
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till/until the cows come home
The idiom "till/until the cows come home" means for a very long time, often implying indefinitely or without a definite end. It suggests that someone will continue doing something for an extended period, possibly beyond what is reasonable or expected.
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never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
The idiom "never put off until tomorrow what you can do today" means that one should not delay or procrastinate tasks, responsibilities, or actions that can be completed immediately. It emphasizes the importance of being proactive, efficient, and avoiding unnecessary delays.
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until you are blue in the face
The idiom "until you are blue in the face" means to continue doing or saying something to the point of exhaustion or frustration, often resulting in no change or impact on the situation.
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to/until my dying day
The idiom "to/until my dying day" refers to someone's unwavering commitment, belief, or determination that persists until the very end of their life. It signifies a strong conviction that is unlikely to change or waiver throughout one's entire existence.
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it isn't over until the fat lady sings
The idiom "it isn't over until the fat lady sings" means that you should not assume the outcome of a situation until it has definitively concluded, even if it seems likely or inevitable. The phrase often implies that there is still a chance for a turnaround or a change in the expected outcome. The "fat lady" is a figurative representation of the final act or conclusion of an event, specifically referring to a female opera singer who traditionally performs the final aria or song in operas.
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carry sth over (until sm time)
The idiom "carry something over (until some time)" means to postpone or delay a particular task, duty, or event until a later designated time. It implies not completing or addressing the specific thing immediately, but rather extending or continuing it until a later period.
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It's not over until the fat lady sings.
The idiom "It's not over until the fat lady sings" means that a situation or event is not yet concluded or decided until the final, often unexpected, outcome has occurred. This expression is often used to emphasize the uncertainty and potential for unexpected turnarounds before a definitive conclusion is reached. It suggests that premature assumptions or judgments should be avoided until the very end. The fat lady in the idiom typically refers to an opera singer, suggesting that even in the grand finale of an opera, the outcome is not certain until the last note is sung by the main female performer.
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keep until sm time
The idiom "keep until (some time)" means to retain or hold onto something until a specific or designated time. It suggests that the item or object should not be used or consumed until the specified time has arrived.
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until are blue in the face
The idiom "until you're blue in the face" refers to repeatedly doing or saying something for an extended period of time, despite it being ineffective or not making any difference. It suggests that no matter how much effort, persuasion, or argument is put into something, it will not change the outcome or opinion of others.
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talk until one is blue in the face
The idiom "talk until one is blue in the face" means to talk or argue persistently and to the point of exhaustion or frustration, without making any progress or convincing anyone. It implies that no matter how much someone speaks or argues, their efforts are in vain and have little effect on the situation or the people involved.
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stay up until
The idiom "stay up until" means to remain awake or to continue being awake until a specified time or event.
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until the cows come home
The idiom "until the cows come home" means for a very long time, indefinitely, or for an extended period, usually indicating that something will continue without an end or until a person is tired or satisfied.
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tide sm over (until sth)
The idiom "tide someone over (until something)" means to provide temporary support or assistance to someone until a particular event or situation occurs. It is often used when someone is facing a temporary problem or financial difficulty, and another person helps them to manage or overcome it until a more stable or long-term solution is found.
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you haven't lived until sth
The idiom "you haven't lived until something" is used to emphasize that a particular experience or event is so incredible, enjoyable, or meaningful that it is considered an essential part of one's life experience. It suggests that until having experienced that specific thing, a person's life is incomplete or lacking in some way.
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(Goodbye) until then.
The idiom "(Goodbye) until then" refers to expressing farewell to someone until the next anticipated meeting or encounter. It implies that the speaker expects to see the person again in the future.
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until all hours
The idiom "until all hours" refers to a period of time late into the night or early morning. It means staying awake or working diligently until very late hours, often well past usual bedtime or normal closing time. It implies a commitment to a task or activity that extends late into the night.
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postpone sth until sth
The idiom "postpone something until something" means delaying or rescheduling an event, task, or activity to a later time or date, primarily due to the requirement or occurrence of another specific event or condition. It suggests that the originally planned or intended action will be held off until a particular circumstance or situation happens.
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keep sth until sm time
The definition of the idiom "keep something until some time" is to retain or hold onto something until a specified moment or period in the future. It implies that the item or action should not be done or given away until the designated time arrives.
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wait up (until sth)
The idiom "wait up (until sth)" means to delay going to bed or stop doing something in order to stay awake or remain present until a particular event, person, or action occurs.
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haven't lived until
The idiom "haven't lived until" is used to emphasize that someone has not fully experienced or enjoyed a certain thing or activity, suggesting that their life is incomplete or lacking without that particular experience. It implies that the mentioned experience is transformative, enriching, or fundamental to a fulfilling life.
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make it (until sth)
The idiom "make it (until sth)" means to endure or last until a specific event or time. It indicates the ability to survive or persist until reaching a particular milestone, deadline, or goal.
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it’s not over until the fat lady sings
The idiom "it's not over until the fat lady sings" is used to emphasize that a situation is not yet concluded or determined until a definitive event or outcome occurs. It suggests that judgment or finality should be withheld until all possibilities have been explored and the metaphorical "fat lady" (representing the culmination or conclusion) has made her appearance.
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it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye
The expression "it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye" is used to caution or remind people that activities or situations initially considered harmless or enjoyable can quickly turn dangerous or serious, often resulting in unforeseen consequences or harm. It serves as a warning to exercise caution and not overlook the potential risks involved even in seemingly innocent situations.
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do something until you are blue in the face
The definition of the idiom "do something until you are blue in the face" is to continue doing or arguing about something to the point of exhaustion or frustration, even though it seems to have no effect or result. It implies that no matter how much effort or persuasion is made, it will not change the outcome.
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until (one) is blue in the face
The idiom "until (one) is blue in the face" means to continue doing or saying something without achieving any result or convincing others, even to the point of exhaustion or frustration.
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until all hours (of the day and night)
The idiom "until all hours (of the day and night)" refers to staying awake and working or engaging in an activity late into the night or early morning, often beyond normal hours. It implies that the person is not adhering to a regular schedule and is staying awake longer than expected.
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until the last dog is hung
The idiom "until the last dog is hung" is generally used to express a determination or tenacity to continue with something until the very end, without giving up or stopping until all possibilities have been exhausted or all tasks have been completed. It signifies a strong commitment to persevere through challenges, setbacks, or obstacles until the ultimate goal is achieved.
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never put off until tomorrow
The idiom "never put off until tomorrow" means that one should not delay or procrastinate tasks or actions that need to be done. It emphasizes the importance of completing tasks promptly and not postponing them for the future.
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until doomsday
The idiom "until doomsday" means for an indefinitely long time, without any specified end or limit. It implies that something will continue or persist perpetually or for an incredibly extended period.
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work until you drop
The idiom "work until you drop" means to continuously work excessively or tirelessly without any breaks or rest until exhaustion or collapse.
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(Good-bye) until then.
The idiom "(Good-bye) until then" is an expression used to bid farewell to someone until a specified future meeting or event occurs. It implies that the speaker is looking forward to seeing or meeting the person again in the future.
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until hell freezes over
The idiom "until hell freezes over" means for an exceptionally long or indefinite period of time, often suggesting that something is unlikely or impossible to occur. It implies that the specified action or event will not happen until an unimaginable or impossible condition is met.
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till/until kingdom come
The idiom "till/until kingdom come" means for an extremely long period of time, often implying indefinitely or forever. It is used to emphasize the idea of waiting or enduring something for a very long time, surpassing typical expectations or even one's lifetime.
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until kingdom come
The idiom "until kingdom come" refers to an indefinite period of time, meaning forever, endlessly, or a very long time. It is often used to emphasize the idea of something being prolonged or extended without any definite end in sight.
Similar spelling words for UNTIL
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