What does the phrasal verb “cut it out” mean?

What are the definitions of “cut it out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Stop your unfair or unreasonable behaviour.

  Will you two idiots CUT IT OUT and keep quiet.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cut it out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cut it out is to stop doing something that is annoying, unfair, or unreasonable. It is often used to tell someone to stop their behavior immediately.

What are the different verb forms of “cut it out”?

Root Verb	cut it out
Third Person Singular Present	cuts it out
Present Participle	cutting it out
Simple Past	cut it out
Past Participle	cut it out

Example

Please cut it out with the loud music; I'm trying to study.

Example

She cuts it out when her mom tells her to stop playing video games.

Example

He is cutting it out after his friend asked him to stop teasing.

Example

Yesterday, they cut it out when the teacher entered the classroom.

Example

The noise was cut out after the neighbors complained.

What kind of phrasal verb is “cut it out”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“cut it out” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

He cut it out when his mom asked him to stop.

Example

She cut it out after her friend told her it was annoying.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“cut it out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

He cut it out when his mom asked him to stop.

Example

She cut it out after her friend told her it was annoying.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cut it out”?

Cut out for something

To be naturally suited or qualified for a particular role or activity.

Example

She is cut out for a career in medicine; she's compassionate and intelligent.

Cut out the middleman

To eliminate an intermediary in a transaction or process, often to save time or money.

Example

By buying directly from the manufacturer, we can cut out the middleman and get a better price.

Cut out of something

To be excluded or removed from a situation or activity.

Example

He felt cut out of the decision-making process at work.

Good things to know

Does “cut it out” have an informal or formal tone?

Cut it out is an informal phrasal verb, typically used in casual conversations or situations. It is not appropriate for formal writing or speech, where more formal alternatives like 'stop' or 'cease' should be used.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “cut it out”?

Synonyms

• stop
• cease
• quit
• end
• halt
• discontinue

Antonyms

• start
• begin
• continue
• proceed
• resume
• carry on