Do not index
Do not index
What does "Button it up" mean?
To 'button it up' means to stop talking or to be quiet, often used in a commanding or admonishing way.
When do you use "Button it up"?
This phrase is appropriate in informal contexts when you want someone to be quiet, particularly if they are speaking too much, being disruptive, or disclosing information that should be kept private.
"Button it up" Usage Examples
- The meeting was getting off track, so I told everyone to button it up and focus on the agenda.
- When the kids started shouting, I had to remind them to button it up so we could hear the movie.
- During the serious discussion, the manager asked the team to button it up and listen carefully.
- I was trying to concentrate on my work, but my coworker wouldn't button it up and kept chatting.
- After the scandal broke, the PR team advised the spokesperson to button it up until further notice.
"Button it up" Explained
The phrase likely derives from the action of fastening or securing buttons on clothing, metaphorically suggesting that one should close their mouth as they would close a garment. It implies a need to keep something contained or private, similar to how buttons keep a shirt or jacket closed.