zip up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘zip up’ mean?
The idiom zip up means to close or fasten a zipper on a garment. It is also used metaphorically to mean keeping something secret or not disclosing information.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "zip one's lip" means to keep quiet or stop talking, often to avoid revealing a secret or to prevent oneself from saying something inappropriate or unnecessary.
The idiom "wrap up" means to finish or complete something, typically in a timely manner.
It is often used to indicate the end of a task, project, or event.
The idiom "up one's sleeve" means to have a secret plan or strategy, usually hidden until the right moment.
The idiom "under one's hat" means to keep something a secret or to refrain from sharing information with others.
The idiom "under lock and key" means to be securely locked away or guarded, making it difficult for someone or something to access or escape.
The idiom "tight lips" means to keep a secret or to not reveal information. It suggests that someone is keeping their mouth closed and withholding any details or thoughts.
The idiom "tight-lipped" means to refuse to speak or to keep quiet about something. It implies a sense of secrecy or unwillingness to reveal information.
The idiom "tie up loose ends" means to complete unfinished tasks or resolve pending issues in order to achieve closure or a sense of completion.
Tie up
To tie up means to secure or fasten something using a knot or other device. In an idiomatic sense, tie up can also mean to occupy someone's time or attention, or to complete or finalize a task or deal.
The idiom "put a lid on it" means to stop talking or expressing oneself, usually in response to someone being too loud, argumentative, or revealing information that should be kept secret. It is a figurative expression urging someone to close their mouth or keep their thoughts to themselves.
Decoding Zip Up
Zip up is a commonly used idiom in American English that refers to the act of closing or fastening a zipper on clothing. The phrase is derived from the literal action of zipping up a zipper, but it has acquired a metaphorical meaning over time.
The idiom "zip up" is primarily used in casual conversations and informal writing. It is often employed to convey the idea of closing or securing something, both literally and figuratively. When used literally, it typically refers to the act of closing a zipper on a jacket, coat, or other piece of clothing. Figuratively, it can be used to indicate closing or securing something in a more abstract sense, such as closing an agreement, wrapping up a conversation, or completing a task.
The origins of the idiom "zip up" can be traced back to the introduction of the zipper in the early 20th century. The zipper, patented by Gideon Sundback in 1917, revolutionized the way garments were fastened. The term "zip" was coined as a shortened form of "zipper" and quickly became associated with the action of closing or opening a zipper. The phrase "zip up" likely emerged as an extension of the verb "zip," emphasizing the act of fully closing a zipper. Over time, it transitioned into a metaphorical expression and entered the realm of idiomatic usage.
The idiom "zip up" is versatile and can be used in various contexts.
It is commonly used in everyday situations when referring to the act of fastening a zipper, such as when getting dressed, bundling up in cold weather, or ensuring privacy. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically in professional and personal settings to convey the idea of finalizing or completing something.
For example, a supervisor might say to a team member, "Please zip up that report and send it to me by the end of the day." In this context, "zip up" is being used figuratively to mean finishing and submitting the report. In a similar vein, the idiom "do up" is closely related to "zip up" and shares a similar meaning of completing or finishing a task.
Another related idiom is "zip one's lip," which means to keep quiet or stop talking. This phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of silence or confidentiality in a situation. While "zip up" focuses on closing or completing something, "zip one's lip" pertains to being quiet or not disclosing information.
The idiom "wrap up" is also related to "zip up" and shares a similar meaning of completing or finishing something. It is often used when referring to the conclusion of a project, event, or task.
Lastly, "fold up" is another idiom that is related to "zip up." This phrase commonly refers to the act of folding or closing something, such as folding a piece of paper, closing a laptop, or packing up belongings.
Overall, the idiom "zip up" is a versatile expression that can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. It conveys the idea of closing, securing, or completing something, whether it be a zipper on clothing or a task in a professional setting. Additionally, related idioms such as "do up," "zip one's lip," "wrap up," and "fold up" further enhance the understanding and usage of the phrase.
Example usage
Examples: 1. She quickly zipped up her jacket before heading out into the cold. 2. The student forgot to zip up his backpack and his books fell out as he walked down the hallway. 3. The mother asked her child to zip up their coat to keep warm in the chilly weather.
The idiom "zip up" is commonly used to indicate the act of closing or fastening something with a zipper. It can be used in various situations involving garments or bags that have zippers. In the first example, "zip up" is used to describe the action of closing a jacket by pulling the zipper up. Similarly, in the second example, "zip up" refers to closing a backpack by pulling the zipper up. The third example demonstrates using "zip up" to advise a child to fasten their coat to stay warm. In all cases, the idiom suggests completing the action of closing or securing something by using a zipper.
More "Clothing" idioms
