Elvis has left the building

Meaning

The primary performer has left. There’s no point waiting around.

Examples

Go away. We’re closed. It’s all over. Nothing to see here. Elvis has left the building. Do I need to go on?

Where did it originate?

USA, late 20th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide, but more common in the USA than elsewhere.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Elvis has left the building