What does “The Jig Is Up” mean?

"The Jig Is Up" means that the secret or deception has been revealed.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He thought he could get away with it, but now the jig is up.

Example

They were pretending to be innocent, but the jig is up now.

Example

I can't believe they thought they could fool us, but the jig is up

Is “The Jig Is Up” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The Jig Is Up” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “The Jig Is Up” effectively in context?

You can use "The Jig Is Up" to convey that a secret or deception has been revealed and there is no longer any chance of getting away with it. It emphasizes the idea that the truth has come to light and there are consequences to face. For example, if someone is caught cheating on a test, you might say, 'Well, the jig is up. You'll have to face the consequences now.'

1Cheating
He thought he could get away with it, but now the jig is up.
2Deception
They were pretending to be innocent, but the jig is up now.
3Unveiling the truth
I can't believe they thought they could fool us, but the jig is up.

Similar phrases to “The Jig Is Up”:

Cat is out of the bag

The secret has been revealed or the truth has been exposed.

Example

She accidentally let slip the surprise party plan, and now the cat is out of the bag.

The game is over

The situation has reached its conclusion and there are no more chances.

Example

He tried to cheat, but when caught, he knew the game was over.

The truth has come out

The truth or secret has been revealed.

Example

After years of denial, the truth finally came out about his involvement in the scandal.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The Jig Is Up” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The Jig Is Up" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the 16th or 17th century, possibly from the Irish word 'jig', which means a lively dance. The phrase may have been used metaphorically to indicate that the dance or performance is over and the truth has been exposed.

Is “The Jig Is Up” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The Jig Is Up" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to express the idea that a secret or deception has been exposed and there are no more chances for the person involved to escape the consequences.

What tone does “The Jig Is Up” have?

"The Jig Is Up" conveys a tone of finality and revelation. It is often used when someone's actions or intentions have been discovered and there is no way to hide or deny the truth anymore.

Can “The Jig Is Up” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "The Jig Is Up" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of a secret being revealed. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They thought they could fool us, but now "the jig is up".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "the jig is up"!' to imply that the truth has been revealed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

exposed
caught red-handed
revealed
out in the open
no more hiding