IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishshut up shop
Meaning: To close a business, either for the day or for good.
Example: “Many small bookstores have had to shut up shop.”
Origin: Literally to close and lock a shop. The figurative use for stopping any activity is found from the 18th century, though the first use has not been precisely traced.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Mettre la clé sous la porte Literally: To put the key under the door
More English idioms
- it doesn't take a rocket scientist Something is easy to understand; no special intelligence is needed.
- do a moonlight flit To leave one's home secretly at night, usually to avoid paying rent or debts.
- pipped at the post To be beaten at the very last moment.
- twiddle one's thumbs To do nothing while waiting or out of boredom.
- a nest of vipers A group of people who scheme against or betray each other.
- I could eat a horse I am extremely hungry.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tu as une cervelle de moineau You're scatterbrained and forgetful.
- Без царя в голове (Bez tsarya v golove) Foolish and reckless — with no one in charge upstairs.
- Cabeça de alho chocho A forgetful scatterbrain whose thoughts won't stay put.
Keep exploring