ENGLISH
REFERENCE

see you later

idiom
Meaning

A phrase used at parting, and not necessarily implying that the person being addressed will be seen later by the speaker.


Origin

disputed origin

Ellipsis of I will see you later or I hope to see you later.

Examples
SIMPLE

I have to go now, see you later.

CONTEXTUAL

She waved from the doorway and called out, see you later, even though she knew they would not meet again for months.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    for all the world to see

    in plain view; clearly visible

  2. 02

    I see, said the blind man

    Expressing confusion.

  3. 03

    I'd like to see someone try

    Expressing a threat or challenge to someone.

  4. 04

    long time no see

    I (or we) have not seen you for a long time.

  5. 05

    not see someone for dust

    To not see someone at all; implying a hasty departure.

  6. 06

    raise the flag and see who salutes

    To float an idea, (or otherwise do some action) to see what response or controversy (if any) it generates, usually as a preliminary step.

  7. 07

    see a man

    Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.

  8. 08

    see a man about a dog

    Used in place of a real explanation when excusing oneself for a short period of time, particularly (euphemistic) to use the toilet or (historical) drink alcohol.

© 2026 English Reference