cut it out
Cease that behavior
Cut it out is a command telling someone to stop doing something annoying or objectionable.
It's direct and informal, typically used when patience has worn thin: Cut it out, you two—I'm trying to concentrate.
The phrase often appears in family or peer contexts where the speaker has some authority or familiarity with the person being addressed.
- ceaseTo discontinue activity
- desistTo stop doing
- give it a restPlea to stop persisting
- enoughMeeting the requirement
- lay offTerminate employment temporarily
can it · stop · halt · pack it in · enough already · quit · drop it · cool it · settle down · zip it · put a sock in it · shut your trap · knock it off · end · hold up · discontinue · call it quits · ease up
behavioral direction
cut it outkeep it up
Encouragement to persist
carry on · keep going · continue · go on · keep at it