pack it in
1. To cease doing something, especially a job, hobby, or endeavor. Once he was no longer able to keep his hand steady, Tom knew he had to pack it in as a surgeon. Video games have gotten too expensive and time-consuming—I think I'm ready to pack it in. Sales have dwindled down to nothing. I think it's about time we packed it in for the season.
2. To eat a large amount of food, especially when doing so is surprising. Often used with "can" or "could." For such a skinny little guy, you can really pack it in! I could always pack it in when I was younger without gaining a pound. Now, I just look at a piece of cake, and I seem to put on weight!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
pack it in
1. Fig. to quit trying to do something; to give up trying something and quit. I was so distressed that I almost packed it in. I've had enough! I'm going to pack it in.
2. Fig. to go to bed. Good night. It's time for me to pack it in. We drove to a hotel and packed it in.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
pack it in
Stop working or abandon an activity, as in Let's pack it in for the day. This usage alludes to packing one's things before departing, and during World War I became military slang for being killed. It also is used as an imperative ordering someone to stop, as in Pack it in! I've heard enough out of you. In Britain it is also put as pack it up. [Colloquial; early 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
pack it in
stop what you are doing. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˌpack it ˈin
(informal, especially British English) stop doing something: Your guitar playing is getting on my nerves. Pack it in, will you? ♢ I didn’t like my last job so I packed it in.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
pack it in
Informal To cease work or activity: Let's pack it in for the day.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
pack it in, to
To give up; to stop trying. This term originated in the early twentieth century, and during World War I became military slang for dying. It alludes to packing one’s bags prior to departure. A definition appeared in Soldier and Sailor Words (1925): “To stop. To give up. To finish. To die.”
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer