🗓️ Idiom: Dot the i’s and Cross the t’s
💬 Meaning
- Pay attention to every small detail
- Making sure everything is done perfectly and carefully
🧠 Example Sentences
- Before sending the contract, we need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
- The editor always dots the i’s and crosses the t’s in every article.
- Make sure to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in your report to avoid mistakes.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom comes from writing and printing. The letters “i” and “t” need small marks: a dot on the i and a cross on the t. It means paying attention to small but important details.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
We should ________ before submitting the final version.
Answer
dot the i’s and cross the t’s
2. Multiple choice:
What does “dot the i’s and cross the t’s” mean?
a) Write quickly
b) Pay attention to small details
c) Ignore minor mistakes
Answer
b) Pay attention to small details
3. Rewrite the sentence:
“It is important to check every detail carefully.”
Answer
It is important to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
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Rob is a CELTA qualified English teacher with 15 years of international experience. He has a BSc and PGDip from Loughborough and St Andrews universities in the UK. He has taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia and now works with professionals worldwide.
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