Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
someone's number is up
idiom
/ˈsʌmˌwʌnz ˈnʌmbər ɪz ʌp/
Definition
A phrase indicating that someone’s fate or end is imminent, often in a negative context.
Examples
- After years of neglecting his health, it felt like his number was up when he was diagnosed with a serious illness.
- With his reckless behavior, many said that his number was finally up.
Meaning
This expression suggests that a person is about to face consequences or that their time is running out.
Synonyms
- your time is up
- the end is near
- the writing is on the wall
