The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.
The meaning of "your number is up"
" Your number is up "
Meaning:
It is now your turn. For instance, if 1. You are about to die. or 2. You have won a lottery.
Example:
1. When I heard the bombers screaming towards us I was sure my number was up. 2. Who has ticket number 374? Come on down and collect your prize - your number is up.
Where did it originate?:
1. Britain, early 20th century. 2. Britain, early 19th century.
