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butt out

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To stop putting your nose in other people's business — to leave someone alone.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To stop interfering in a situation or in someone else's personal affairs; usually a command.

""Butt out!" she snapped. "This has nothing to do with you.""

Usage notes

Primarily American English. Almost always used as a direct imperative command: 'Butt out!' Considered rude or aggressive. The opposite in spirit to 'butt in'. Often used by someone who feels their privacy is being invaded.

Commonly used with

business affairs life relationship decision matters

Forms

Base
butt out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
butts out
he/she/it
Past simple
butted out
yesterday
Past participle
butted out
have + pp
-ing form
butting out
continuous

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Synonyms

stay out back off keep out mind your own business leave it alone step back

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