time to pack it in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to pack it in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that it is time to stop doing something, often because it is no longer productive or enjoyable. Example: "After several hours of trying to fix the old car, I realized it was time to pack it in and call a mechanic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Mr Ford, you are a great major but I think its time to pack it in or take the drug tests and sue the life out of the star.

Vice

Time to pack it in.

The New York Times - Arts

They were the ones who kept her sane, she said, who would tell her, one day, when it was time to pack it in.

The Guardian - Music

When I finished at West Ham in May 2015, I wondered whether that was the time to pack it in, but then I got the itch for Sunderland.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was the perfect time to fold for a mentally weak visiting team, the perfect time to pack it in and start thinking about Game 4. Instead, Horry hits that shot, Bryant makes a couple of big baskets.

The New York Times - Sports

And there are one or two, according to Mr. Jewell, who say, " 'I'm wondering if it's just time to pack it in.' " To the Senior Go the Spoils THE axiom among pilots is that your career depends on three things: seniority, seniority, seniority.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Around this time, it was time for me to pack it in.

Vice

Re "Wavering Favre Must Consider the Consequences," May 12: It is time for Brett Favre to pack it in.

The New York Times

All told, the first four or five songs amounted to a crazily window-dressed clammy, loose handshake, and I decided the time had come to pack it in and rest up for day two.

Huffington Post

"There were times I wanted to pack it in," Dolores told the gossip columnist Cindy Adams; and times, too, when Hope did.

The New Yorker

"Will you keep on doing this till you fall over, or will there come a time when you decide to pack it in and paint pictures or plant an orchard instead?" "The ageing process isn't terribly pretty… and you don't want yourself splattered all over the place if you look pitiful.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to pack it in" when you want to convey a sense of finality or resignation, especially after a period of effort or difficulty. It's more impactful than simply saying "stop".

Common error

Avoid using "time to pack it in" in formal or professional contexts where a more direct or business-like tone is appropriate. Opt for phrases like "discontinue efforts" or "conclude the project" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to pack it in" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, typically signaling the end of an activity because it's no longer productive or enjoyable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time to pack it in" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to indicate that it's time to stop an activity. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in varied contexts. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, it carries a neutral register, making it suitable for general use. Related phrases include "time to call it a day" and "time to quit". When writing, avoid using this phrase in formal settings where more professional language is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to call it a day

This alternative is a more common and general way to signal the end of a work period or activity.

time to throw in the towel

This alternative suggests admitting defeat or giving up after a struggle.

time to quit

This is a more direct and concise way of saying it's time to stop.

time to give up

This alternative emphasizes the act of ceasing effort or resistance.

time to stop

This is the most basic and straightforward way to express ending an activity.

time to knock it off

This alternative is more informal and often used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying.

time to shut it down

This suggests a complete cessation of operations or activity.

time to wrap things up

This implies bringing an activity to its conclusion.

time to end it

This is a brief and resolute way to indicate the termination of something.

time to bow out

This alternative suggests a graceful or strategic withdrawal from an activity.

FAQs

What does "time to pack it in" mean?

The phrase "time to pack it in" means it's time to stop doing something, often because it's no longer productive, enjoyable, or feasible. It suggests ending an activity or endeavor.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "time to pack it in"?

It's appropriate to use "time to pack it in" in informal settings when you want to express that something should be stopped. It's suitable after a long effort, when progress stalls, or when facing futility.

What can I say instead of "time to pack it in"?

You can use alternatives like "time to call it a day", "time to quit", or "time to give up" depending on the context.

Is "time to pack it in" considered formal or informal?

"Time to pack it in" is generally considered an informal idiom. It's best suited for casual conversations and should be avoided in formal or professional writing.