cut it out
To stop doing something. Often used as an imperative. Come on, man, cut it out! We'll totally get in trouble if you keep throwing the ball in the house! If they don't cut it out soon, I'm going to go up there and give them a piece of my mind. All right, I've had enough of the complaining! Kids, cut it out and try to actually enjoy this hike!
cut out
1. To remove a shape or figure from something, such as paper, by cutting. The kids are busy cutting out paper dolls for a craft project. I cut out some coupons but totally forgot to bring them to the store with me. First, you each need to cut out a heart, so here's some pink paper and scissors.
2. To be well-suited for success in a particular area. After being out of school for so long, I don't think that I'm cut out for studying any more. I gave it a shot, but I just don't think I'm cut out for ice skating. Dad says I'm not cut out for the military, but I think I can thrive in that environment.
3. To intermittently lose an audio connection, as on the phone. I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said—the phone cut out for a second. No, I couldn't understand her voicemail either with the way her phone was cutting out. A: "Why does the sound keep cutting out like that?" B: "Probably because this is not the best streaming app in the world."
4. To depart very quickly. The robbers cut out when the heard the approaching sirens. I need to cut out right now if I'm going to make the 5:15 train. Kids cut out in every direction when they realized the cops were coming.
5. To eliminate or remove someone or something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cut" and "out." Which government-funded programs do you think will be cut out next year? Of course I'm worried—the corporate office is cutting out all of the jobs in our department! When was the two-dollar bill cut out of circulation?
6. To stop doing something. You better cut out these antics before your father gets home. Cut out the eye-rolling, will you? Would you kids cut out the complaining and try to enjoy this hike? Please?
7. To replace something or render it unimportant or unnecessary. I still love to get snail mail, even though email has largely cut out the need for it. You kids today have probably never even heard of a mimeograph machine because it has been cut out by the copier. When I was in high school, most people only had cameras with them on special occasions. Obviously, this was before the smartphone cut out the need to carry around a separate camera.
8. To determine something before taking any action. In this usage, the phrase is used in the passive. I knew I had my work cut out for me when I saw how messy the play room was. A: "So many people have resigned in the last few months that the department is a shambles." B: "Great, so I've got my work cut out for me." We've got our work cut out for us with the new house. We can move right in, but there are a lot of cosmetic changes we'll need to make.
9. To eliminate something, often from one's diet. My doctor told me that I need to cut out fried foods in order to improve my cholesterol. You should really consider cutting out sweets if you want to keep your blood sugar stable. If the school board cuts out funding for the arts, that's the end of the theater program, isn't it?
10. To end unexpectedly or abruptly. Why does the music cut out at the end of the song like that? No one was disappointed when the principal's speech cut out due to an unplugged microphone. Hey! Why did my guitar cut out in the middle of my solo?
11. To stop something from working; to turn something off. When the fuse blew, power to the entire second floor cut out. Look, if you don't pay your bill, the electric company will cut out your electricity. Did the water company cut out the water after the last tenant moved out?
12. To keep someone from obtaining something, often through disinheritance. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "cut" and "out." If you continue to fight with your mother like this, she may just cut you out of her will. You've had it easy these last few years, but unless you find a job, your mother and I are going to cut you out once you turn 30. The family cut Reginald out completely once they discovered his deceptive practices with the family business.
13. Of a machine, to turn off or stop functioning suddenly. I had to call a tow truck because my engine cut out on my drive home, and I couldn't get it started again. The TV keeps cutting out whenever it's been on for 30 minutes or so. The blender keeps cutting out, so good luck making your smoothie—I've still got chunks of frozen fruit in mine.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cut it out
Stop, desist, as in
Cut it out, stop teasing your sister. [c. 1900] Also see
cut it, def. 1.
cut out
1. Excise, remove as if by cutting; also, form or shape as if by cutting or carving. For example, Young children love cutting out pictures from magazines, or The first step is cutting out the dress pattern. The first usage dates from about 1400, the second from the mid-1500s.
2. Oust, replace, or supplant someone, as in He cut out all her other boyfriends. [Mid-1600s]
3. Also, cut out for. Suited or fitted by nature, as in Dean's not cut out for lexicography. [Mid-1600s]
4. Also, cut out for. Assigned beforehand, prepared, predetermined, as in We have our work cut out for us. [Early 1600s]
5. Deprive, as in He cut her out of his will. [Early 1800s]
6. Stop, cease, as in
He cut out the motor, or
Cut out that noise! [c. 1900] Also see
cut it out.
7. Leave, especially in a hurry; also, run away. For example,
I'm cutting out right now, or
At the first hint of a police raid they cut out. [
Slang; first half of 1800s] Also see
cut and run;
cut the comedy.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.