Dar carpetazo

to close the case; **to close the case**; **to put the matter to rest**; **to shut the file**; **to draw a line under it** (British English); **to sweep something under the rug** (when the closure is suspicious)

Dar carpetazo means to close a matter decisively, usually without further discussion or action.

The expression often suggests ending an issue quickly, sometimes too quickly, and occasionally in order to avoid uncomfortable questions.

Depending on the context, it may be neutral or mildly critical.

• an investigation is officially closed
• a debate is brought to an end
• a company abandons a project
• someone decides not to discuss a subject any longer
• an institution declares a matter finished

The expression comes from the traditional office carpeta ("file folder").

Once a matter had been resolved—or declared finished—the documents were placed in a folder, closed and stored away.

The decisive gesture of shutting the folder became a metaphor for ending the matter itself.

The suffix -azo reinforces the idea of a firm, definitive action.

Spanish newspapers frequently use dar carpetazo when reporting on political scandals, judicial investigations or controversial public decisions.

The expression often hints that the matter may have been closed too quickly or without complete clarification.

For that reason, it sometimes carries a subtle tone of scepticism.

Spanish forms many expressive nouns by adding -azo, a suffix that often suggests forcefulness or finality.

In carpetazo, the ending evokes the image of someone firmly shutting a folder on a desk.

The documents disappear from view.

So does the discussion.

Do not translate the expression literally.

English speakers would never say:

They gave the case a folder slam.

Instead, translate the underlying idea:

• They closed the case.
• They put the matter to rest.
• They shelved the issue.
• They swept it under the rug. (if concealment is implied)

Always choose the translation that matches the speaker's attitude.