Shut up shop Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Permanence Implication It can imply a business is closing forever, not just for the day. The old bakery shut up shop and will no longer serve bread. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight May carry an emotional undertone when a business is closing permanently. After her retirement, Mrs. Green sadly shut up shop and said goodbye. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use Often used metaphorically to describe ending operations or activities. The campaign team shut up shop after the election.