close the loop

English

Etymology

Evidently by loose extension from control theory proper, regarding closed-loop control ("close the loop": "announce that enough feedback has been collected to successfully plan the system's next action"). Possibly influenced by the computer programming sense of "loop," in which program control will flow forever around an infinite loop until something is done to break (or exit) that loop.

Verb

close the loop (third-person singular simple present closes the loop, present participle closing the loop, simple past and past participle closed the loop)

1. (intransitive, corporate jargon) To follow up; to tie up loose ends; to resolve.

   Can you close the loop on this discussion by getting input from marketing and making a decision?

Related terms

• closed loop
• endless loop
• infinite loop
• in the loop
• loop in
• open-loop

 

See also

• circle back
• close out
• come full circle