- Means to finish something quickly; to bring an activity, discussion, meeting, or task to a conclusion, often implying time pressure or that it has gone on long enough.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely comes from the physical act of wrapping something (like a gift or package) as the final step before it's complete or ready to go. Metaphorically applied to finishing tasks or discussions. Common since the mid-20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Okay, chop chop! (Hurry up, can be commanding)
- Let's put a bow on it. (Finish it nicely, colloquial)
- Time's up!
More Formal:
- Let's bring this to a conclusion.
- We need to conclude this discussion/meeting.
- In the interest of time, let's finalize.
More Impatient/Rude:
- Get on with it!
- Hurry up!
- Enough already!
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in meetings, presentations, group work, and other task-oriented situations.
- Let's wrap this up is generally acceptable in semi-formal settings.
- Wrap it up directed at someone can sound rude or impatient unless the context is very informal (e.g., friends joking) or clear authority exists (e.g., director on a set).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take wrap literally (wrapping a gift).
- The potential for rudeness with the imperative Wrap it up! might not be obvious; context and tone are crucial.
Examples
- Okay folks, we have five minutes left. Let's wrap this up.
- (To someone talking too long): Alright, wrap it up. (Can sound impatient)
- Let's wrap up the meeting and discuss action items.
- We need to wrap up this project by Friday.
Dialogue
Presenter: ...and furthermore, the historical context shows a clear pattern of...
Moderator: Thank you, that's very insightful. We are running short on time, though, so could you please wrap it up in the next minute?
Presenter: Oh, right. Okay. In conclusion, the data suggests X. Thank you.
Team Lead: Great discussion everyone. Let's wrap this up. Can someone quickly summarize the key decisions?
Team Member: Sure. We decided on Option B for the design, and Jen will send out the revised timeline.
Team Lead: Perfect. Meeting adjourned.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Long thread, but let me wrap it up: The core issue is funding, not ideology. #analysis
- Live Stream Comment: (To streamer going overtime) Hey, love the stream but gotta sleep! Can you wrap it up soon? 😉
- Meeting Chat: facilitator: Okay team, 10 mins left. Let's wrap up the brainstorming and move to voting.
Response Patterns
- Okay, final points then?
- Got it. Summarizing now...
- Alright, almost done.
- Agreement nods or actions indicating finishing (e.g., closing notebooks, summarizing).
- If directed impatiently, might be met with slight annoyance or hurried compliance.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone suggests Let's wrap this up:
- Participants focus on concluding remarks, summaries, final decisions, or next steps.
- The pace often quickens slightly.
- Someone might explicitly ask, Okay, so what's the summary? or What are the action items?
After someone is told (perhaps impatiently) Wrap it up:
- The speaker usually tries to conclude their point quickly.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to signal the end of an activity or discussion.
Intonation
- Can be neutral and efficient: Let's WRAP this UP. (Falling intonation)
- Can sound impatient or commanding, especially without Let's: WRAP it UP! (Sharp, falling intonation)
- Emphasis is on WRAP and UP.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in American English, also used and understood in other English-speaking regions.