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punch list

American  
[puhnch list] / ˈpʌntʃ ˌlɪst /

noun

Informal.
  1. an itemized list of mostly minor fixes or work to be done before final payment on a construction or repair project.

    We’ve given the contractor a punch list of small stuff, including some cleanup.

  2. a list of unfinished matters that require attention.


Etymology

Origin of punch list

First recorded in 1950–55; punch 2 ( def. ) (in the sense “tool for perforating or stamping”) + list 1 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s an expensive punch list and requires more financial aid for working class and poor students, which is the main reason, he believes, that universities have not rushed to embrace it.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

They have sent states a detailed punch list of recommended steps to take in preparation, dispatched letters spelling out federal expectations and continued to confer often with each state.

From Washington Post • Mar. 14, 2022

There have been talks of sound panels to improve acoustics, and we know that additional hand rails are on the final punch list as interior renovations wrap up.

From Washington Times • Mar. 23, 2021

Kanye, not prone to quiet, came close, releasing holding-pattern singles and a flat couture line that seemed to be about calming down the room, which is not usually on Kanye's punch list.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2015

Her final punch list was growing shorter and shorter, which was a very good thing.

From "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library" by Chris Grabenstein

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