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!""
mixed
cut it out
A2 informal mixed transitive
An informal command telling someone to stop doing something annoying or unacceptable.
In plain English
Stop doing that! — used when you want someone to stop a behavior that is bothering you.
What does "cut it out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cut something out, i.e., remove it — used metaphorically to 'remove' an unwanted behavior.
Actually means
Stop doing that! — used when you want someone to stop a behavior that is bothering you.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cut it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
noise behavior teasing fighting immediately right now
How to conjugate "cut it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cut it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cut it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.