What Does “That’s a Wrap” Mean?

Download Article

Plus, where this phrase came from and how to use it in conversation

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones

Last Updated: November 13, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

• “That’s a Wrap” Meaning & Origin
|
• How to Use “That’s a Wrap” in Conversation
|
• Similar Phrases

|Show more |Show less

You might have heard the phrase “that’s a wrap” in movies, TV shows, or personal conversations, but what does this idiom actually mean? If you’re looking for the answer to this question, you’re in luck! We’ll go over the definition of the phrase “that’s a wrap” and explain it came from. We’ll also cover the correct way to use this phrase in conversation, so keep reading!

“That’s a Wrap” Definition

“That’s a wrap” means “that’s finished” or “that’s done.” Movie directors used to shout out this phrase when they finished filming a movie, but now people use it in all kinds of situations. For example, at the end of a work meeting, your boss could say, “That’s a wrap! See you all next week."

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

“That’s a Wrap” Meaning & Origin

Download Article

1. 
   “That’s a wrap” or “it’s a wrap” means that something is finished. The phrase originated in Hollywood, where directors would shout “that’s a wrap” when they’d finished filming a movie or a scene. Over the years, the phrase has become popular outside of movie-making, and people now say it in various situations to signal that something has concluded. Here are a few examples:

   • “Alright folks, that’s a wrap! You’ve all put in so much hard work during the filming of this movie, and you should be proud of your accomplishment. Go home, get some rest, and celebrate!”
   • “Okay everyone, that’s a wrap. Thank you all so much for helping me set up these decorations for tomorrow’s fundraiser. Now go home and rest up before the big day!”
Advertisement

Section 2 of 3:

How to Use “That’s a Wrap” in Conversation

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Say “that’s a wrap” to celebrate when you’ve finished a task. The phrase often has a celebratory connotation, and it essentially means, “We did it! We can go home now!” To embody this energy, try saying “that’s a wrap” when you’ve just completed a difficult task or accomplished an impressive feat. For example:

   • “That’s a wrap for the night, everyone! Thank you all for hanging in there with me through this long meeting. Now head home and enjoy your weekend!”
   • “Alright everyone, that’s a wrap on today’s yoga class. I’ve been seeing so much improvement in everyone’s form. Keep up the good work!”
   • “That’s a wrap on my final essay! I finally finished proofreading and just submitted it. I can’t wait to kick back, relax, and enjoy the summer.”
2. 
   2
   Use “that’s a wrap” to explain that something has ended. Some people use “that’s a wrap” to inform others that a friendship, romantic relationship, job, or some other situation has ended. In this context, the phrase has a less positive and celebratory tone, but it does lighten the mood when discussing these difficult topics.

   • “Unfortunately, it's a wrap on my friendship with Brianna. She’s changed a lot over the past several years, and our fight last week was the final straw.”
   • “Jack and I broke up last weekend. We suddenly just looked at each other and were like, ‘That’s a wrap.’ I'm sad, but at least we’re parting on good terms.”
   • “I’ve been unhappy at work for a long time, but after my favorite coworker left, I was like, ‘That’s a wrap, folks!’ I turned in my two week notice that day.”
Advertisement

Section 3 of 3:

Similar Phrases

Download Article

1. 
   1
   It’s done and dusted When something is “done and dusted,” it’s finished and complete. There’s nothing more to do or say, and all the loose ends are tied up. For example:

   • “Aright, this project is done and dusted! I think we've covered everything we needed to. Good work, everyone.”
   • “My passport application is done and dusted. I just submitted it, so now we just wait for my new passport to come in the mail.”
2. 
   2
   Mission accomplished Just like “that’s a wrap,” people say the phrase “mission accomplished” to celebrate when they’ve completed a task, project, or assignment.

   • “Okay, mission accomplished. I just submitted my essay with minutes to spare before the deadline. Let’s go out and celebrate!”
   • “I finished wrapping and hiding all her birthday presents before she made it home from work. Mission accomplished!”
3. 
   3
   It’s in the can When something is “in the can,” this means it is completely finished. This phrase is essentially a synonym for “that’s a wrap,” and it can be used in pretty much the same way.

   • “Alright guys, that’s another rehearsal in the can! Head home and rest up before opening night tomorrow.”
   • “Our group finished the assignment last night. It’s in the can and ready to present in class tomorrow.”
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!