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Region: General | Usage example: With the audit in town, the jig was up.

The jig is up

Meaning

The deceit has been uncovered.

Usage

Used when the trick can no longer continue.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Jig was a dance, so ending it meant exposure.

Used in 19th-century cant speech.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.