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Idiom

put a sock in it

idiom B2
/ˌpʊt ə ˈsɑk ɪn ɪt/

Meanings

idiom

An informal (often rude) way to tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.

Visual cue for put a sock in it — meaning 1

Definition

Used to tell someone, often rudely, to stop talking or making noise.

“Put a sock in it” is an informal idiom meaning “be quiet” or “stop talking.” People use it when they are annoyed by someone’s voice, complaining, or loud sounds. It is usually rude or joking, so use it carefully in polite situations.

Examples

  • Put a sock in it and let me concentrate.
  • He kept bragging, and she finally said, “Put a sock in it.”
  • If you can’t say something helpful, put a sock in it.
  • The kids were shouting, and Dad yelled, “Put a sock in it!”