Language Research

roof · noun C

/ruːf/Full view

roof

A2 the surface that covers the top of a building or vehicle

Dictionary examples:

The house has a flat/shingled roof.

He climbed onto the roof.

Put the luggage on the roof of the car.

Learner example:

It's an old Charentese house, with white walls, a red roof and a small garden, close to the seaside. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

a roof over your head

C2 somewhere to live

Dictionary example:

It is hard to keep a roof over your head and food in the fridge when you get paid $8.50 an hour.

Learner example:

As for the new homes for local people it seems to be that it will be of particular importance to homeless people, who will feel that they have a roof over their head without having to pay anything. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

go through the roof

C2 If the level of something, especially a price, goes through the roof, it increases very quickly.

Dictionary example:

The price of heating oil has gone through the roof.

Learner example:

Try extreme sports and feel your adrenaline levels going through the roof! (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

hit the roof

C2 to become very angry and start shouting

Dictionary example:

If I'm late again he'll hit the roof.

Learner example:

Be careful, if you make too much noise he'll hit the roof. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)