"The jig is up": The origin???

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"The jig is up": The origin???

2006-12-06 01:09:54 · 2 answers · asked by Richard K 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay

2 answers

When someone says the "jig is up", it indicates that a scoundrel has been found out, and the forces of law and order are on their way.

2006-12-06 01:22:45 · answer #1 · answered by cooperman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋

Well, a jig is part of a sail rigging. If the jig is LITERALLY up, then it's obvious that someone is going to set sail. The figurative meaning is, of course, someone has been found out (to have done something wrong) - i.e. it's now obvious
I have no idea, but that sounds really good, doesn't it???

2006-12-06 10:23:45 · answer #2 · answered by teacherhelper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋