Idiom
put a sock in it
Meanings
An informal, often rude way to tell someone to stop talking or be quiet.
Definition
Used to tell someone, often rudely, to stop talking or to be quiet.
“Put a sock in it” is an informal British idiom used to tell someone to stop talking or making noise. It is usually impatient, rude, or joking, depending on the situation and tone. People say it when they are annoyed by constant talking, complaining, or loud sounds.
Examples
- Oh, put a sock in it—I’m trying to concentrate.
- He kept boasting about his job until someone told him to put a sock in it.
- Put a sock in it, will you? The baby’s finally asleep.
- I wish he’d put a sock in it and let her finish her story.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this idiom in formal situations, but it is informal and can sound rude or aggressive.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire Used to say something is decided or finished only at the last possible moment.
- lost the plot To become confused or behave in a way that no longer makes sense.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready for action.