1321 Draw to a close - English Idioms

Explanation

Means something is nearing its end or conclusion.

Origin

Evokes the image of pulling curtains closed at the end of a theatrical performance or drawing lines together to finish a drawing or map.
Used figuratively since at least the 19th century to indicate the approaching end of an event, period, or activity.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Wrapping up
Winding down
It's almost curtains for... (Theatrical origin, informal, sometimes dramatic)
Nearly donezo (Playful, modern slang)
About to pack it in (Informal, cease activity)

Milder/Standard:

Coming to an end
Concluding
Finishing up
Approaching the end

Situational Appropriateness

Generally neutral to slightly formal.
Suitable for most situations, including business meetings, describing events, or time periods (e.g., day, year, project).

Misunderstanding Warnings

Less likely to be misunderstood.
The literal meaning of draw (to sketch or pull) is not relevant here; the focus is on nearing completion.

Examples

As the meeting drew to a close, the chairman summarized the key points.
Our wonderful vacation is drawing to a close, unfortunately.
The fiscal year is drawing to a close, so we need to finalize budgets.

Dialogue

Speaker A: Well, the conference is drawing to a close.

Speaker B: Yes, it's been a productive few days. Time to start packing up.

Speaker A: Agreed. Shall we exchange contact details before we leave?

Response Patterns

Often a statement of fact, prompting agreement, acknowledgment, or related feelings.
Yes, it seems so.
Already? Time flies.
It went by so fast.
Finally! (If the end is welcome)
Shame, I was enjoying it.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After acknowledging the end:

Someone might ask about the next steps: What happens next then? or What's the plan now?
Express feelings about the conclusion: It's a bit sad it's over, or I'm glad that's finished.
Discuss future plans: What are you doing afterwards? or Let's plan the next one.
Initiate concluding actions: Shall we wrap up?, Any final questions?

Conversation Starter

No.
Usually used mid-conversation or as a concluding remark about an ongoing event, period, or process.

Intonation

Emphasis usually falls on DRAW and CLOSE, with a falling intonation signifying finality. DRAW to a CLOSE.

Generation Differences

Used across most generations.
Perhaps slightly more common in written or more formal spoken contexts, but widely understood.

Regional Variations

Common in most English-speaking regions (UK, US, Aus, Canada, etc.).

The beginning of the end

🎲 All good things must come to an end

[1321] Draw to a close