Wrap it Up: Origin and Meaning

to finish something completely / to put something inside paper or cloth

The phrase “wrap it up” means to finish something completely, and is often used in business situations, especially at the end of meetings. It often signals the end of the discussion particularly when the meeting is running over. The word “wrap” means to put something inside paper, cloth or another flat material, for example a present, or even a flatbread sandwich.

A more difficult usage of the phrase is when using it in an ironic, sarcastic or joking sense to refer to people or things which aren’t really very good.

– Let’s wrap this meeting up people, we’re late.
– Could you please wrap my sandwich up for me?
– My presents were wrapped up really nicely