wrap up

To finish an activity or bring it to an end.

• Let’s wrap up the meeting.
• They wrapped up filming last Friday.
• Can we wrap this project up before the holidays?

How to use it: wrap something up (We need to wrap this discussion up soon.)

Similar words: finish, complete, conclude

Opposites: begin

Common phrases: wrap up a meeting, wrap up something

To cover something completely with paper, cloth, or similar material.

• Please wrap up the gift.
• She wrapped the cups up in newspaper.
• Have you wrapped up all the birthday presents?

How to use it: wrap something up in something (I wrapped the book up in coloured paper.)

Similar words: wrap, package

Opposites: unwrap

Common phrases: wrap up a present, wrap up something

To wear plenty of clothes so that you stay warm.

• Wrap up warm; it is freezing.
• We wrapped up in thick coats for the walk.
• Have you wrapped the children up well?

How to use it: wrap up in something (Wrap up in a thick coat before you leave.); wrap someone up (She wrapped the baby up before going outside.)

Similar words: bundle up

Common phrases: wrap up warm, wrap up warmly

To give a short account of the main points or events.

• Please wrap up the main points.
• The reporter wrapped up the day’s events.
• She wrapped up our findings in a short paragraph.

How to use it: wrap up something (The presenter wrapped up the main stories in one minute.)

Similar words: summarize, recap

Common phrases: wrap up the news, wrap up the findings

To keep someone so busy that they cannot give time or attention to other things.

• She was wrapped up in meetings all morning.
• Sorry, I was wrapped up in paperwork.
• Are you too wrapped up in work to join us?

How to use it: be wrapped up in something (He was wrapped up in work and missed my call.)

Similar words: tie up, occupy

Opposites: free up

Common phrases: wrap up someone, wrap up in work

To surround someone with care or protection, often keeping them away from difficult experiences.

• Their kindness wrapped him up in comfort.
• His parents wrapped him up in constant protection.
• She felt wrapped up in her family’s care.

How to use it: wrap someone up in something (Her family wrapped her up in love and care.)

Similar words: cocoon, shelter, protect

Common phrases: wrap up someone, wrap up in love