Elvis Has Left the Building – Idiom, Meaning & Origin

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Candace Osmond

Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. She’s been an International and USA TODAY Bestselling Author for over a decade. And she’s worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction.

Ladies and gentlemen, strap on your blue suede shoes, and let’s take a little walk down idiom lane. Our destination? The phrase, Elvis has left the building. And no, it’s not just a comment on the King’s whereabouts. Well, it was at one point. But let’s see how the phrase is used today.

Elvis Has Left the Building Meaning Explained

Elvis Has Left the Building – Idiom Meaning Origin

When someone proclaims Elvis has left the building, they’re not delivering an update on the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s posthumous movements. Instead, this phrase is a quirky way of saying that a particular event or show has ended. It signifies that there’s nothing more to see or expect, and it’s time to move on.

Is Elvis Has Left the Building an Idiom?

Absolutely! This phrase has taken on a life of its own, much like Elvis Aaron Presley’s iconic hip swing. Its original literal meaning has been upstaged by a more figurative one, a hallmark of any good idiom.

Elvis Has Left the Building Quote Origin

Elvis has Left the Building Ngram
Elvis has left the building usage trend.

Ready to shake, rattle, and roll into some etymology? This phrase obviously comes from the rockin’ 1950s, during the heyday of Elvis Presley’s career. After his concerts, the frenzied crowd would linger, hoping for more of the King’s electrifying performance. To nudge them to the exits, the announcer would declare Elvis had left the building so they wouldn’t hang around. It was first uttered in 1956 by announcer Horace Lee Logan at the Louisiana Hayride Radio Program.

Synonyms for Elvis Has Left the Building

  • The show’s over
  • It’s all done
  • Stick a fork in it
  • That’s a wrap
  • Time to go
  • Nothing more to see here

Elvis Has Left the Building Sentence Examples

Elvis Has Left the Building – Idiom Meaning Origin 1

Let’s rock ‘n roll with some examples of this phrase in complete sentences.

  • Once the final firework exploded, the announcer declared, “Elvis has left the building!”
  • Once I clock out for the day, Elvis has left the building, so don’t bother calling me about work.
  • The speaker ended the conference with a grin, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.”
  • As soon as I submit this last report, Elvis will have officially left the building.
  • “Elvis has left the building,” she sighed, shutting her laptop at the end of a long day.
  • As the final buzzer sounded, the commentator remarked, “And with that, Elvis has left the building!”
  • The party doesn’t end until the DJ says, “Elvis has left the building!”
  • The director signaled the end of the play rehearsal with a dramatic cry, “Elvis has left the building!”
  • After the movie credits rolled, my friend leaned over and whispered, “Well, I guess Elvis has left the building.”

Thank You, Thank You Very Much

Well, there you have it, my friends. The next time you hear Elvis has left the building, you’ll know the show’s over, and it’s time to hit the road. But, like Elvis’s iconic music, language is a living, evolving entity. Fifty years from now, this idiom could take on a whole other meaning. Good thing Grammarist is here to keep you updated on all things wordy!

Check out some of the other idioms we covered:

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