Zip it

Meaning

The idiom "zip it" is used to tell someone to be quiet or to shut up. It can also mean to close one's mouth or to stop talking. This phrase can also be used as a way of saying "okay" or "fine."

Usage

• The boss told me to zip it during the meeting when I started arguing with my coworker.
• When my friend started ranting about her problems, I said "zip it" and let her know that now wasn't the time to talk.
• I always find it hard to stop talking when I'm nervous, but I try to zip it and focus on my breathing instead.
• My little sister kept asking me questions while I was studying for my exams, so I said "zip it" and told her to let me concentrate.
• When we reached the end of the movie, everyone in the theater started clapping, and I said "zip it" to express my disappointment that the credits were rolling.

Roots and History

The phrase "zip it" has been used in English since at least 1926, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. It originally meant to close one's mouth or to stop talking. The idiom is derived from the verb "to zip," which means to fasten something tightly. Over time, the meaning of "zip it" has broadened to include the idea of being quiet or shutting up.

Synonyms in English

• Be quiet
• Hush
• Hold your tongue
• Keep quiet
• Say nothing

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "Taisez-vous" - This phrase means "be quiet" and is used to tell someone to stop talking or to be silent.
• Spanish: "Ceja" - This word means "eyelid" and can be used as a way of saying "shut up."
• Italian: "Chiudere la bocca" - This phrase means "to close your mouth" and is used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet.
• German: "Schweig" - This word means "silence" and can be used as a way of saying "be quiet."
• Chinese: "闭嘴" - This phrase means "to close your mouth" and is used to tell someone to stop talking or to be quiet.

Similar Idioms

• rake over the coals

• backhanded compliment

• speak too soon