Language is more than just words; it is the expression of thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Idioms add richness and depth to English by giving us creative ways to say things.
Instead of saying “stop” or “finish,” people often use colorful idioms to make speech more engaging. Idioms for ending something are especially useful because life is full of conclusions—whether it’s finishing a project, breaking up a relationship, or wrapping up a conversation.
By learning these idioms, English learners can sound more fluent and natural, while also understanding what native speakers mean in daily conversations.
These idioms are used in workplaces, casual talks, movies, and literature. Mastering them will help you express closure, finality, or even a graceful exit in different contexts.
From business meetings to storytelling, knowing idioms for ending something makes your English lively and impactful.
Did You Know?
The phrase “draw the curtain” was once used in theaters when a play ended. Over time, it became an idiom for bringing something to a close, even outside the stage. Many idioms for ending things actually come from history, sports, and art—showing how culture shapes language!
Idioms for Natural Endings
Call It a Day
Meaning: To stop working for the day.
Example: After finishing the report, Sarah decided to call it a day.
Alternative: Knock off work.
Reflection: Common in workplaces and casual conversations.
At the End of the Day
Meaning: The final result or conclusion of something.
Example: At the end of the day, hard work pays off.
Alternative: When all is said and done.
Reflection: Mostly used in discussions, meetings, and reflections.
Draw to a Close
Meaning: To come to an end gradually.
Example: The festival drew to a close after three exciting days.
Alternative: Wind down.
Reflection: Often used in formal or descriptive writing.
Time’s Up
Meaning: The time allowed for something has ended.
Example: Time’s up! Please submit your exam papers.
Alternative: Out of time.
Reflection: Common in classrooms, exams, or games.
End of the Line
Meaning: The final stage or conclusion.
Example: After years of struggling, it was the end of the line for the company.
Alternative: The last stop.
Reflection: Slightly dramatic, often used for serious endings.
Curtain Falls
Meaning: Something is finished or over.
Example: With the last scene, the curtain falls on the play.
Alternative: The final act.
Reflection: Formal or literary.
That’s a Wrap
Meaning: Used when something is completed, especially in movies or projects.
Example: The director smiled, “That’s a wrap for today!”
Alternative: Job done.
Reflection: Informal, popular in creative industries.
Idioms for Stopping Suddenly
Cut It Short
Meaning: To stop earlier than planned.
Example: They had to cut the trip short due to bad weather.
Alternative: Break off.
Reflection: Common in daily conversation.
Break Off
Meaning: To stop suddenly, especially in speech or relationships.
Example: She broke off the engagement last month.
Alternative: Call off.
Reflection: Often used in emotional or personal contexts.
Call It Quits
Meaning: To stop doing something, usually after effort.
Example: After trying for hours, they called it quits.
Alternative: Give up.
Reflection: Informal, daily usage.
Drop It
Meaning: To stop talking about something.
Example: “I don’t want to argue—let’s just drop it.”
Alternative: Leave it.
Reflection: Informal, conversation-driven.
Pull the Plug
Meaning: To stop something from continuing, often by withdrawing support.
Example: The company pulled the plug on the project.
Alternative: Shut down.
Reflection: Business and professional language.
Dead End
Meaning: No progress can be made.
Example: Negotiations reached a dead end.
Alternative: Standstill.
Reflection: Often in professional or political contexts.
Grind to a Halt
Meaning: To stop very slowly.
Example: The old machine ground to a halt.
Alternative: Come to a stop.
Reflection: Both formal and descriptive.
Full Stop
Meaning: Used to emphasize the end of something.
Example: “I won’t lend him money again, full stop.”
Alternative: Period.
Reflection: British and conversational.
Idioms for Finishing Relationships or Connections
Break Up
Meaning: To end a romantic relationship.
Example: They broke up after five years together.
Alternative: Split up.
Reflection: Informal, personal life.
Call It Off
Meaning: To cancel something planned.
Example: They called off the wedding.
Alternative: Cancel.
Reflection: Both casual and formal usage.
Part Ways
Meaning: To separate or end an association.
Example: The two companies decided to part ways.
Alternative: Go separate ways.
Reflection: Business and personal use.
Kiss Goodbye
Meaning: To accept the loss or end of something.
Example: If you miss the train, kiss your job interview goodbye.
Alternative: Say farewell.
Reflection: Informal, everyday speech.
On the Rocks
Meaning: About to fail, especially relationships.
Example: Their marriage is on the rocks.
Alternative: Falling apart.
Reflection: Informal, often used for personal situations.
Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To give up and quit.
Example: After many failures, he threw in the towel.
Alternative: Surrender.
Reflection: Sports origin, now used in all contexts.
Break Ties
Meaning: To end contact or relations.
Example: She broke ties with her old business partner.
Alternative: Sever connections.
Reflection: Formal, business-oriented.
Close the Book On
Meaning: To finish dealing with something and move on.
Example: It’s time to close the book on this old dispute.
Alternative: Put it behind you.
Reflection: Formal and thoughtful.
Idioms for Final Decisions and Closure
Put an End To
Meaning: To stop something completely.
Example: The new rules put an end to cheating in exams.
Alternative: Put a stop to.
Reflection: Used in professional or serious situations.
Draw the Line
Meaning: To set a limit or stop something.
Example: I’ll help you, but I draw the line at lying.
Alternative: Say no.
Reflection: Informal but firm.
Call Time
Meaning: To stop something, often officially.
Example: The referee called time on the game.
Alternative: End the match.
Reflection: Sports and formal settings.
Seal the Deal
Meaning: To finalize or conclude an agreement.
Example: A handshake sealed the deal.
Alternative: Close the deal.
Reflection: Business and professional.
Wrap It Up
Meaning: To finish or conclude something.
Example: “Let’s wrap it up, we’re done here.”
Alternative: That’s it.
Reflection: Informal, daily use.
End of Story
Meaning: Used to say there’s nothing more to discuss.
Example: You broke the rules—end of story.
Alternative: That’s final.
Reflection: Casual but strong.
Put the Lid On
Meaning: To bring something to a definite end.
Example: The manager put the lid on further complaints.
Alternative: Shut down.
Reflection: Business or casual.
Finish What You Started
Meaning: To complete something before ending.
Example: Don’t quit now—finish what you started.
Alternative: Follow through.
Reflection: Motivational, daily life.
Say Goodbye To
Meaning: To accept the end of something.
Example: Say goodbye to your free weekends once school starts.
Alternative: Bid farewell to.
Reflection: Informal and everyday use.
Close the Curtain
Meaning: To bring an event or activity to an end.
Example: The award show closed the curtain on the season.
Alternative: Curtain falls.
Reflection: Dramatic or formal tone.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- Speaking: Use idioms like “call it a day” or “wrap it up” in casual talks with friends or colleagues. They make conversations more natural.
- Writing: In essays or reports, idioms such as “draw to a close” or “put an end to” can add variety and depth.
- Professional Usage: During meetings, phrases like “seal the deal” or “close the book on” sound professional and impactful.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Wrong: He called it a day in the morning.
Correct: He called it a day after working all afternoon.
(The idiom is about stopping after some effort, not before starting.) - Wrong: They threw in the towel the wedding.
Correct: They threw in the towel after trying to fix their marriage.
(This idiom means giving up, not canceling events directly.) - Wrong: The concert is break up.
Correct: The concert is coming to a close.
(“Break up” refers to relationships, not events.)
FAQs
1. What does “call it a day” mean?
It means stopping work or an activity, usually because enough has been done.
2. Can idioms for ending something be used in formal writing?
Yes, idioms like “draw to a close” or “put an end to” work well in essays, reports, and professional writing.
3. Are idioms for ending something the same in British and American English?
Most are shared, but some, like “full stop,” are more common in British English.
4. Can I use “wrap it up” in professional settings?
Yes, though it’s slightly informal, it’s widely accepted in meetings and group discussions.
5. Why should I learn idioms for ending something?
They help you express closure naturally, making your English sound fluent, confident, and engaging.
Conclusion
Endings are as important as beginnings, and idioms give us powerful ways to express them. From casual phrases like “call it quits” to formal ones like “draw to a close,” these expressions enrich your language and help you connect better with others.
Whether you’re finishing a conversation, closing a deal, or describing the end of a journey, idioms for ending something make your English sound polished and lively.
Keep practicing these idioms in real-life contexts, and soon they will become a natural part of your vocabulary.
