Meaning
A business closing down due to loss
Cultural Background
The 'tikar' is a symbol of grassroots economy. Rolling it up signifies not just financial failure, but the disappearance of a livelihood for a family. In Javanese culture, 'lesehan' (sitting on a mat) is a way of life. 'Gulung tikar' strikes a chord because it represents the end of this humble, communal way of doing business. In cities like Jakarta, 'gulung tikar' is now used for high-tech startups, showing how traditional idioms adapt to modern 'Silicon Valley' style failures. Indonesian journalists love using idioms to make headlines more 'catchy'. 'Gulung tikar' is one of the most frequent idioms found in the 'Ekonomi' section of newspapers like Kompas.
Use for Drama
Use 'gulung tikar' instead of 'bangkrut' to sound more like a native speaker and add a bit of descriptive flair to your story.
Not for People
Don't use this for people failing. A person doesn't 'gulung tikar' unless they are being referred to as a business owner.
Meaning
A business closing down due to loss
Use for Drama
Use 'gulung tikar' instead of 'bangkrut' to sound more like a native speaker and add a bit of descriptive flair to your story.
Not for People
Don't use this for people failing. A person doesn't 'gulung tikar' unless they are being referred to as a business owner.
Sympathy
When someone tells you a business has 'gulung tikar', it's polite to show a bit of sympathy, as it usually implies a sad event.
Test Yourself
Lengkapi kalimat berikut dengan idiom yang tepat.
Karena banyak utang, perusahaan itu akhirnya ______ ______.
'Gulung tikar' is the correct idiom for going bankrupt due to debt.
Manakah situasi yang paling tepat untuk menggunakan 'gulung tikar'?
Pilih satu jawaban:
'Gulung tikar' implies permanent closure due to loss.
Lengkapi percakapan di bawah ini.
A: 'Kenapa restoran favorit kita tutup?' B: 'Iya, mereka sudah ______ karena sepi pembeli.'
The context of a restaurant closing because of few buyers requires 'gulung tikar'.
Cocokkan berita dengan istilah yang tepat.
Berita: 'Sebuah maskapai penerbangan besar berhenti beroperasi karena utang triliunan rupiah.'
Stopping operations due to massive debt is bankruptcy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tutup vs. Gulung Tikar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesKarena banyak utang, perusahaan itu akhirnya ______ ______.
'Gulung tikar' is the correct idiom for going bankrupt due to debt.
Pilih satu jawaban:
'Gulung tikar' implies permanent closure due to loss.
A: 'Kenapa restoran favorit kita tutup?' B: 'Iya, mereka sudah ______ karena sepi pembeli.'
The context of a restaurant closing because of few buyers requires 'gulung tikar'.
Berita: 'Sebuah maskapai penerbangan besar berhenti beroperasi karena utang triliunan rupiah.'
Stopping operations due to massive debt is bankruptcy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in news reports (formal) and in daily conversation (informal).
Yes, it is very common to use it for modern tech companies that fail.
'Pailit' is a legal term used in courts. 'Gulung tikar' is a general idiom used by everyone.
Literally, yes (I am rolling a mat). Figuratively, it's better to say 'Bisnis saya gulung tikar'.
No, but it is a sad topic. Use it with empathy if talking about someone you know.
No, it can apply to factories, airlines, cafes, or any commercial entity.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but 'maju pesat' (progressing rapidly) or 'sukses' are good contrasts.
Yes, if the project was like a business venture that had to stop permanently.
Yes, tikar are still very common in homes and for picnics, which keeps the idiom relevant.
It's like the 'ng' in 'song'. Don't pronounce a hard 'g' after it.
Related Phrases
Bangkrut
synonymBankrupt
Pailit
specialized formLegally bankrupt
Tutup buku
similarTo close the books
Angkat kaki
contrastTo leave/flee
Naik daun
contrastTo be rising/popular
