close up shop

close up shop

To cease business operations for any length of time (often permanently). This phrase can be used to describe an enterprise or an employee. I loved that restaurant, so I'm very disappointed that it closed up shop. The owner always closes up shop for two weeks in the summer to accommodate her vacation. You need to close up shop and go home—your shift ended an hour ago.See also: close, shop, up

close up shop

Fig. to quit working, for the day or forever. (Fixed order.) It's five o'clock. Time to close up shop. I can't make any money in this town. The time has come to close up shop and move to another town.See also: close, shop, up