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jig up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive

Used in the fixed expression 'the jig is up,' meaning a trick, deception, or secret has been discovered and ended.

In plain English

the trick is finished and people know the truth now

What does "jig up" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 idiomatic informal

Used to say that someone's dishonest plan or secret activity has been discovered and can no longer continue.

"When the auditor asked for the missing receipts, we knew the jig was up."

The jig is up.

— The Wizard of Oz (1939)
inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

The dance or game has ended.

Actually means

the trick is finished and people know the truth now

Usage tip

Almost always appears as the fixed idiom 'the jig is up.' Learners should treat it as a set phrase rather than a productive phrasal verb.

Words that pair with "jig up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

the jig is up fraud secret scheme deception

How to conjugate "jig up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
jig up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
jigs up
he/she/it
Past simple
jiged up
yesterday
Past participle
jiged up
have + pp
-ing form
jiging up
continuous

Hear "jig up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "jig up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "jig up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

it's over the fraud has been exposed the game is up the secret is out

Keep exploring

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