The game is up

phrase

Deception or scheme has been exposed or finished.

He realized the game was up when the police arrived in force.
Visual representation of "the game is up" - Deception or scheme has been exposed or finished

Often appears as...

  • realize the game is up
  • know the game is up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

It’s too late to achieve a goal or plan.

They ran as fast as they could, but the game was up before they reached the finish line.
Visual representation of "the game is up" - It’s too late to achieve a goal or plan

Often appears as...

  • with time running out
  • the game is up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Deception or scheme has been exposed or finished.

He realized the game was up when the police arrived in force.
Visual representation of "the game is up" - Deception or scheme has been exposed or finished

Often appears as...

  • realize the game is up
  • know the game is up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

It’s too late to achieve a goal or plan.

They ran as fast as they could, but the game was up before they reached the finish line.
Visual representation of "the game is up" - It’s too late to achieve a goal or plan

Often appears as...

  • with time running out
  • the game is up

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "the game is up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ending Trickery

Use when someone can no longer continue their deceitful behavior because they're caught.

Illustration for Ending Trickery
Once the hidden cameras were found, everyone knew the game was up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Revelation Moment

Marks the moment when the truth is revealed, often after a period of suspicion.

Illustration for Revelation Moment
When the test answers were found in his pocket, the teacher declared the game was up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Caught in Action

Often used when someone is caught during the act, leading to an abrupt end of their schemes.

Illustration for Caught in Action
She tried to sneak out quietly, but her mom appeared and said, the game is up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ending Trickery

Use when someone can no longer continue their deceitful behavior because they're caught.

Illustration for Ending Trickery
Once the hidden cameras were found, everyone knew the game was up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Revelation Moment

Marks the moment when the truth is revealed, often after a period of suspicion.

Illustration for Revelation Moment
When the test answers were found in his pocket, the teacher declared the game was up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Caught in Action

Often used when someone is caught during the act, leading to an abrupt end of their schemes.

Illustration for Caught in Action
She tried to sneak out quietly, but her mom appeared and said, the game is up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Ending Trickery

Use when someone can no longer continue their deceitful behavior because they're caught.

Illustration for Ending Trickery
Once the hidden cameras were found, everyone knew the game was up.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Revelation Moment

Marks the moment when the truth is revealed, often after a period of suspicion.

Illustration for Revelation Moment
When the test answers were found in his pocket, the teacher declared the game was up.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Caught in Action

Often used when someone is caught during the act, leading to an abrupt end of their schemes.

Illustration for Caught in Action
She tried to sneak out quietly, but her mom appeared and said, the game is up.
Visual representation of the word "The game is up"

Never forget "The game is up"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top