Shut up shop
phrase
To close a business, either at the end of the day or permanently.
After forty years in the business, John decided it was time to shut up shop.
Often appears as...
- decide to shut up shop
- time to shut up shop
phrase
To stop doing something, especially an activity.
After an unsuccessful start, the team decided to shut up shop and rethink their strategy.
Often appears as...
- decide to shut up shop
- time to shut up shop
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To close a business, either at the end of the day or permanently.
After forty years in the business, John decided it was time to shut up shop.
Often appears as...
- decide to shut up shop
- time to shut up shop
phrase
To stop doing something, especially an activity.
After an unsuccessful start, the team decided to shut up shop and rethink their strategy.
Often appears as...
- decide to shut up shop
- time to shut up shop
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Permanence Implication
It can imply a business is closing forever, not just for the day.
The old bakery shut up shop and will no longer serve bread.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
May carry an emotional undertone when a business is closing permanently.
After her retirement, Mrs. Green sadly shut up shop and said goodbye.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to describe ending operations or activities.
The campaign team shut up shop after the election.
Pro Tip 1/3Permanence Implication
It can imply a business is closing forever, not just for the day.
The old bakery shut up shop and will no longer serve bread.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
May carry an emotional undertone when a business is closing permanently.
After her retirement, Mrs. Green sadly shut up shop and said goodbye.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to describe ending operations or activities.
The campaign team shut up shop after the election.
Pro Tip 1/3Permanence Implication
It can imply a business is closing forever, not just for the day.
The old bakery shut up shop and will no longer serve bread.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
May carry an emotional undertone when a business is closing permanently.
After her retirement, Mrs. Green sadly shut up shop and said goodbye.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Often used metaphorically to describe ending operations or activities.
The campaign team shut up shop after the election.
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