cut it out
A2 informal mixed transitive
In simple words
Stop doing that! — used when you want someone to stop a behavior that is bothering you.
Literal meaning: To cut something out, i.e., remove it — used metaphorically to 'remove' an unwanted behavior.
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
informal
An emphatic command to stop doing something annoying or inappropriate immediately.
""Cut it out, you two!" their mother shouted from the kitchen. "Stop fighting right now!""
Grammar: mixed
Usage notes
The 'it' is fixed in most uses; you cannot easily substitute another noun. Almost always used as an imperative. Common across all English-speaking countries. Can sound quite sharp or irritated depending on tone.
Commonly used with
noise behavior teasing fighting immediately right now
Forms
Base
cut it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuts it out
he/she/it
Past simple
cut it out
yesterday
Past participle
cut it out
have + pp
-ing form
cutting it out
continuous
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