the jig is up
phrase
US, informal + old-fashioned
—used to say that a dishonest plan or activity has been discovered and will not be allowed to continue
The jig is up: where did you hide the stolen goods?
Cite this Entry
“The jig is up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20jig%20is%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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