close up shop

phrase

: 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.

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Cite this Entry

“Close up shop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20up%20shop. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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