Phrasal verb
cut it out
Meanings
Stop doing something annoying, inappropriate, or unwanted.
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Stop joking or teasing because it is not funny or is going too far.
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Definition
To stop doing something annoying, inappropriate, or unwanted.
"Cut it out" is an informal phrase used to tell someone to stop a behavior right now. It is often said when the behavior is irritating, unkind, or distracting. It can be used seriously or playfully, depending on tone and context.
Examples
- Cut it out—you’re shaking the table and my coffee is spilling.
- My dad said, “Cut it out,” when I kept interrupting his phone call.
- She told her brother to cut it out after he kept copying her voice.
- They yelled “Cut it out!” when their friend started splashing water at everyone.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use “cut it off” instead of “cut it out,” but “cut it out” means stop the behavior, not disconnect or remove something.