pack it in, to
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!
See also: pack
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
See also: pack
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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]
See also: pack
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
pack it in
stop what you are doing. informalSee also: pack
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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.See also: pack
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
pack it in
Informal To cease work or activity: Let's pack it in for the day.
See also: pack
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
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.”
See also: pack
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- start out
- start out (on something)
- the rules of the game
- jack it in
- seek (something) from (someone or something)
- seek from
- try hand
- try one's hand
- try your hand
- try your hand at something