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pack up

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

Put all your stuff into bags to go, or stop doing something — or a machine stops working.

Literal meaning: To pack things up so you are ready to go — largely transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To put all your belongings into bags or boxes in preparation for leaving a place.

"We packed up the campsite quickly because a storm was approaching."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(British, informal) Of a machine or piece of equipment: to stop working, usually unexpectedly.

"My laptop packed up right in the middle of the presentation — it was so embarrassing."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

(British, informal) To stop doing something; to quit an activity or job.

"After twenty years in the trade, he decided to pack up and retire to Spain."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'machine fails' sense is primarily British English. The 'gather belongings' sense is universal. 'Pack it up' is also used informally to mean 'stop it' or 'be quiet' in British English.

Commonly used with

bags belongings equipment tent tools machine

Forms

Base
pack up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
packs up
he/she/it
Past simple
packed up
yesterday
Past participle
packed up
have + pp
-ing form
packing up
continuous

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Synonyms

pack your bags pack away stow away quit break down call it a day

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