see you later
A phrase used at parting, and not necessarily implying that the person being addressed will be seen later by the speaker.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I have to go now, see you later.”
“She waved from the doorway and called out, see you later, even though she knew they would not meet again for months.”
“As the train pulled away from the platform, he offered a casual see you later to the stranger, fully aware that their paths would likely never cross again.”
Formed as an ellipsis of the phrases *I will see you later* or *I hope to see you later*. It functions as a conventional shortening of the full declarative sentence.
- 01
for all the world to see
in plain view; clearly visible
- 02
have seen one's day
Of a person, thing, idea, etc., to be at the point in a life cycle or career of no longer being useful or effective; to be worn-out.
- 03
have seen one's last gum tree
Of a person, on the edge of death.
- 04
have seen this movie
To have experienced a situation which is the same as or similar to the current situation, especially with a sense of the unpleasantness or tiresomeness of the recurring situation.
- 05
I see, said the blind man
Expressing confusion.
- 06
I'd like to see someone try
Expressing a threat or challenge to someone.
- 07
long time no see
I (or we) have not seen you for a long time.
- 08
not see someone for dust
To not see someone at all; implying a hasty departure.
Last updated August 10, 2026