close up shop

idiom

: to go out of business forever or stop performing all services or activities for a period of time

Rather than closing up shop entirely, the company laid off half of its workers.

The restaurant has already closed up shop for the winter.

Examples of close up shop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Months of construction along Main Street hurt existing business owners, some of whom have had to close up shop as a result, according to local observers. —Dallas Morning News, 16 Jan. 2026

There’s nearly always a line, so be patient, and check online for opening hours as the winds sometimes force them to close up shop. —Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Another restaurant is getting ready to close up shop at San Francisco's downtown food hall, Saluhall. —Amanda Hari, CBS News, 25 Nov. 2025

There’s a strong possibility neither will happen and POKS will close up shop, creating a void in the market that won’t be easily filled. —Mara Weinraub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025

Rhymes for close up shop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop