# one's jig is up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ones-jig-is-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of the jig is up [for one].

## Examples

- The thief ran away because his jig was up.
- The manager found the fake receipts, so the employee knew his jig was up.
- When the detective revealed the hidden evidence in court, the criminal realized his jig was up and stopped pretending to be innocent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.