supposed

be (not) supposed to (do something)

To be expected to do something. Often used in the negative to indicate that one is expected to avoid doing something. I'm supposed to watch my little sister tonight, so I can't go out with you guys. You're not supposed to play with Dad's tools when he's not home!
See also: supposed

supposed to

1. Intended, expected, or believed to do something. This new software is supposed to make things a lot more efficient, but I find it so confusing that everything is taking me twice as long! We're supposed to arrive around 3 PM, assuming our flights aren't delayed.
2. Required or obligated to do something. I was supposed to be home an hour ago—my parents are going to kill me! Please don't distract him, he's supposed to be cleaning his room.
3. Allowed or permitted to do something. (Chiefly used in questions and negative constructions.) You're not supposed to go in there! Are you sure you're supposed to be in here?
See also: supposed

What's that supposed to mean?

What is someone suggesting, alluding to, or insinuating? Often used when angered or irritated by what was said. What exactly is that supposed to me? I have never taken a bribe in my entire life, if that's what you mean! A: "Of course, you wouldn't know anything about a hard day's work." B: "Hey, what's that supposed to mean? I work hard!"
See also: supposed, that
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(It's) not supposed to.

 and (Someone's) not supposed to.
a phrase indicating that someone or something is not meant to do something. (Often with a person's name or a pronoun as a subject. See the examples.) Fred: This little piece keeps falling off. Clerk: It's not supposed to. Bill: Tom just called from Detroit and says he's coming back tomorrow. Mary: That's funny. He's not supposed to.
See also: not, supposed

supposed to

 and someone or something is supposed to
Someone or something is meant to do something. (Frequently, in speech, supposed is reduced to s'posed. The words someone or something can be replaced with nouns or pronouns, or used themselves.) Mary: They didn't deliver the flowers we ordered. Sue: Supposed to. Give them a call. Sally: This screw doesn't fit into hole number seven in the way the instructions say it should. Bill: It's supposed to. Something's wrong.
See also: supposed

supposed to do something

expected or intended to do something; obliged or allowed to do something. You're supposed to say "excuse me" when you burp. Mom says you're supposed to come inside for dinner now.
See also: supposed
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

supposed to

1. Intended to; also, believed to, expected to. For example, This pill is supposed to relieve your pain, or You're supposed to be my partner. [Early 1300s]
2. Required to, as in He is supposed to call home. [Mid-1800s]
3. not supposed to. Not permitted to, as in You're not supposed to smoke in here.
See also: supposed
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

(not) be supˈposed to (do something)


1 (not) be expected or required to do something by rules, the law, an agreement, etc: She’s supposed to do an hour’s homework every evening. We’re not supposed to be at the party for an hour yet.
2 (used only in negative sentences) be not allowed to do something: You’re not supposed to walk on the grass.
See also: supposed

what’s ˈthat supposed to mean?

(informal) used when you are angry at what somebody has said, or do not fully understand it: ‘You aren’t the most popular person at school, you know.’ ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
See also: supposed, that
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be supposed to
  • be (not) supposed to (do something)
  • be (only) to be expected
  • be to be expected
  • (one's) Venus turns out a whelp
  • best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
  • oft
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray
  • without so much as
  • without so much as something/as doing something
References in periodicals archive
Chief Tjinaani Maharero of OtjikaTjamuaha Royal House said, it is a pity that an event that supposed to bring people together and celebrate what t their forefathers fought for has become a battle field, dividing people.
Four arrested during Red Flag commemoration
The senator said he and his lawyers would have a feast day in poking holes at the supposed case.
Trillanes: We will have feast day in court with Advincula as witness
He was supposed to get his blessing worth P15,000 on Tuesday but the office had already closed down.
Kapa office closure in Tacloban shocks, dismays members
Now read the following sentences: 1a) Teachers are supposed to be patient in all their interactions with pupils.
Suppose And Concord
In an interaction with the press, the NDC is also accusing Edward Dua-Agyeman as being behind the supposed cabinet audit.
Account for US$6.8m -NDC tells Akufo-Addo *As they term cabinet audit report bogus
He further said these books included textbooks of Chemistry, English, and other subjects which were supposed to be distributed free amongst the students of government schools.
Landhi police recover textbooks from junk store
Quinto filed the complaint before the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group after she received threats on social media from the supposed bashers.
Quinto files complaint vs online bashers before PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group
How are North Korean women supposed to speak when they are kidnapped by government agents and threatened with repatriation to a known human rights violator?
How are North Korean women supposed to speak?
I am also very eager to exit and supposed to relax now, but the President is extending it.
Dela Rosa elated, saddened by another PNP term extension PNP
Form 1095-A is the form a Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) public exchange is supposed to use to show that a consumer had exchange plan coverage, what the full price of the coverage was, and how the exchange applied any PPACA advanced premium tax credit (APTC) subsidy payments to the premium bills.
CMS: HealthCare.gov has mailed its 1095-As
In the sidebar on page 7 of the June issue, while discussing the clock required by 14 CFR [section]91.205(d) author Elaine Kauh wrote: "Technically, the clock displaying hours, minutes, and seconds with a sweep-second pointer or digital presentation' is supposed to be certified, installed equipment, meaning it has to be the original clock or an approved replacement, and it has to be operational for legal IFR flight.
Does your clock work?
Bulgaria canceled a meeting of a bilateral committee with Russia, which was supposed to take place on Sunday and Monday, reports Capital Daily.A The Bulgarian delegation in the committee was supposed to be led by the Minister of Economy and Energy Dragomir Stoinev and the Russian a possibly by his counterpart Alexander Novak.A The committee was expected to discuss energy matters, including the price of Russian natural gas for Bulgaria and the eventual restarting of the Burgas a Alexandroupolis pipeline.A A bilateral business forum was also supposed to take place.According to Bulgaria's government, the cancellation is because of the EU decision to impose economic and visa sanctions on Russia for the annexation of Crimea.A The meeting would most likely be rescheduled for June.
Bulgaria Canceled Energy Meeting With Russia Due to Sanctions
Is it true that you are not supposed to wash mushrooms?
Ask Nadia
Prison isn't supposed to be comfortable, it's supposed to be a deterrent.
Prison as a deterrent; Your say