cross over

1. verb To pass over something, as from an elevated position. Can we use the bridge to cross over the creek? I don't want to get wet.

2. verb To move from one place to another, as by crossing some sort of border, barrier, or stretch of land; to cross. Thousands of refugees are expected to cross over the border in the coming months. We have to cross over an entire desert before we reach an outpost.

3. verb To become successful in a separate but related field or genre. Don't expect to reach George Clooney's level of success—few television actors are able to cross over to movies so seamlessly. The pop star actually began her career as a country singer before she crossed over.

4. verb To cause someone to become successful in a separate but related field or genre. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cross" and "over." A successful TV show could cross you over into movies one day.

5. verb To change one's affiliation with something; to join a different side or party. She used to be a devout Catholic, so I'm surprised to hear that she's now crossed over to Judaism. I didn't realize that Uncle Roger was once a Democrat, since he crossed over to the Republican Party so long ago.

6. verb, euphemism To die. It's been a year since my grandfather crossed over, and I still miss him just as much. We'll all cross over to the other side one day, so you better make the best of life while you can.

7. noun A creative work, such as a television episode or story, that incorporates characters from a different (often related) show or story. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. I can't wait for the crossover of "Supergirl" and "The Flash"!

8. noun A vehicle that combines the features of a car and a sport utility vehicle (SUV). It is typically bigger than a traditional car and smaller than a traditional SUV. In this usage, the phrase is usually hyphenated or written as one word. After having this tiny car for so long, I think I want a crossover next.

9. noun In basketball, a move in which the player dribbles the ball one way before quickly changing direction in order to pass by the defender. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. He's known for his lightning quick crossover, which has left some defenders tumbling on the floor.

10. noun In ice skating, a move accomplished by alternating the skating foot by crossing one over the other to gain momentum or change direction. Used for varying purposes in both figure skating and ice hockey. In this usage, the phrase is usually written as one word. You'd better learn how to do a proper crossover if you want to bring your skating to the next level.

11. adjective Describing someone that is successful in two separate but related fields or genres. When used as an adjective, the phrase is usually written as one word. Don't expect to reach George Clooney's level of success—few television actors are able to become a crossover star so quickly.

12. adjective Describing something that blends two distinct but related things, as to appeal to a wide audience. When used as an adjective, the phrase is usually written as one word. A TV show that's also a musical is a crossover dream—think of the audience we'll capture! I can't wait for the crossover episode of "Supergirl" and "The Flash"!

1. to cross something such as a river or a street. This is a very wide river. Where do we cross over? Let's cross over here where it's shallow.

2. to change sides, from one to another. Some players from the other team crossed over and joined ours after the tournament.

3. Euph. to die. Uncle Herman crossed over long before Aunt Helen.

1. Change from one field or affiliation to another, as in Graham Greene crossed over from the Anglican to the Roman Catholic Church, or If he doesn't run I'm going to cross over to the Democratic Party. [First half of 1900s]

2. Also, cross over to the other side. Die, as in It's a year since my grandmother crossed over to the other side. [c. 1930]