1
general::
Phrase(s): Shut up!
Inf. Be quiet! (Impolite.) • Bob: And another thing. Bill: Oh, shut up, Bob! • Andy: Shut up! I’ve heard enough! Bob: But I have more to say! • "Shut up! I can’t hear anything because of all your noise!" shouted the director., Phrase(s): shut someone up
to silence someone. • Oh, shut yourself up! • Will you please shut up that crying baby!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Imprison, confine, enclose, as in The dog was shut up in the cellar for the night, or She shut up her memories and never talked about the past. [c. 1400] 2. Close completely, as in The windows were shut up tightly so no rain came in. [Early 1500s] This usage Also occurs in shut up shop, meaning "close the premises of a business," as in It's late, let's shut up shop now. [Late 1500s] Also see CLOSE UP, def. 3. 3. Cause someone to stop speaking, silence someone, as in It's time someone shut him up. [Early 1800s] 4. Stop speaking, as in I've told you what I think and now I'll shut up. This usage Also occurs as a rather rude imperative, as in Shut up! You've said enough. [First half of 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms