1 C1 idiomatic slang
(British slang, exclamation) Used to tell someone to stop doing or saying something annoying.
"'Leave it out, will you? I'm trying to concentrate,' she snapped."
inseparable
leave it out
B2 slang separable transitive
To omit something, or (British slang) an exclamation telling someone to stop or expressing disbelief.
In plain English
Don't include that thing, or (British English, informal) 'Stop it!' or 'No way, I don't believe you!'
What does "leave it out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic slang
(British slang, exclamation) Used to express disbelief or to dismiss something as ridiculous.
"'He said he ran a marathon last week.' 'Leave it out! He can barely walk to the corner shop.'"
inseparable
3 A2 neutral
To omit or not include a particular item or piece of information.
"You can leave the technical jargon out when you speak to the general public."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To not include a particular thing.
Actually means
Don't include that thing, or (British English, informal) 'Stop it!' or 'No way, I don't believe you!'
Usage tip
The exclamatory slang sense is distinctly British, heard especially in London and the south of England. It can express either a command to stop behaviour or disbelief at what someone has said. The literal sense of omitting something is neutral and universal.
Words that pair with "leave it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rubbish nonsense that it the details
How to conjugate "leave it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
leave it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leaves it out
he/she/it
Past simple
left it out
yesterday
Past participle
left it out
have + pp
-ing form
leaving it out
continuous
Hear "leave it out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "leave it out"
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Keep exploring
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