jig
/d͡ʒɪɡ/
A lively, upbeat dance or piece of music, typically associated with Irish traditional culture. It evokes an image of rhythmic energy and spirited movement.
In a technical or mechanical context, it refers to a tool used to hold work in place and guide another tool. Here, the connotation is one of precision, stability, and repeatability.
Informally, it often appears in the idiom "the jig is up," meaning a deceptive scheme or a secret plan has been discovered. In this sense, it carries a feeling of sudden exposure and the end of a trick.
Countable when referring to a lively folk dance or the tool used in woodworking and machining to hold a piece of work. Uncountable when referring to the act of dancing a jig or moving with quick, jerky steps.
💬Casual Conversation
I perceive a resistance. The jig is up on delaying the 'Vision Quest' workshops.
I perceive a resistance. The jig is up on delaying the 'Vision Quest' workshops.
Sir, with the Q4 rollout, we're already stretched thin. I haven't even calendared those yet.
Sir, with the Q4 rollout, we're already stretched thin. I haven't even calendared those yet.
Meanings
A lively folk dance performed to fast music.
The crowd gathered to watch the traditional Irish jig.
A device that holds a piece of work and guides the tool operating on it.
The machinist used a drilling jig to ensure every hole was perfectly aligned.