stick a fork in something
Used to indicate that something or someone is finished, or, in a broader sense, defeated or ruined.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The game is over, so stick a fork in it.”
“I am exhausted after this long run, so stick a fork in me.”
“This broken washing machine is beyond repair, so stick a fork in it.”
“After the company lost its biggest client, the manager knew it was time to stick a fork in the project.”
“My old laptop just made a loud clicking sound and the screen went black, so I think we can stick a fork in it.”
“The chef burned the main course five minutes before the party started, so he had to stick a fork in the original menu.”
“The candidate's poll numbers dropped so low after the scandal that her advisors told her it was time to stick a fork in the campaign.”
“Once the final evidence was presented in court, the defense attorney realized the case was hopeless and decided to stick a fork in it.”
From the culinary practice of piercing a piece of meat with a fork to determine whether it is cooked. The physical resistance or tenderness encountered by the utensil indicates the status of the meal, signaling that the process has reached its conclusion.
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 03
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 04
carrot and stick
The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.
- 05
chalk something up to experience
To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
- 06
clue stick
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
- 07
dukes
[Cockney slang]fork, i.e. hand, now chiefly when balled into a fist
- 08
fork off
to diverge into two or more separate paths.
Last updated August 10, 2026