Which one is correct?
"Cut it out" or "Knock it off"?

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Cut it out

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal situations to ask someone to stop doing something.

This phrase is used to tell someone to cease a particular action or behavior that is bothering you or others.

Examples:

  • Cut it out with the noise, please.
  • I told him to cut it out, but he kept bothering me.
  • Cut it out, you're being ridiculous.
  • She needs to cut it out with the excuses.
  • If you don't cut it out, I'll have to ask you to leave.

Alternatives:

  • stop it
  • quit it
  • cease that behavior
  • knock it off
  • give it a rest

Knock it off

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal situations to ask someone to stop doing something.

This phrase is used to tell someone to cease a particular action or behavior that is bothering you or others.

Examples:

  • Knock it off with the jokes, we're trying to work here.
  • I had to tell him to knock it off because he was being too loud.
  • Knock it off, you're being annoying.
  • She really needs to knock it off with the complaints.
  • If you don't knock it off, I'll have to ask you to leave.

Alternatives:

  • stop it
  • quit it
  • cease that behavior
  • cut it out
  • give it a rest
Both 'cut it out' and 'knock it off' are informal phrases used to tell someone to stop doing something annoying or inappropriate. They are interchangeable and have similar meanings, so it's a matter of personal preference which one to use.

Last Updated: March 19, 2024

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