Enough from the clown vs Stop it

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Enough from the clown

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Stop it

InformalTop 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Stop it
 Enough from the clownStop it
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɪˈnʌf frəm ðə klaʊn//🇺🇸 //ɪˈnʌf frəm ðə klaʊn//🇬🇧 //stɒp ɪt//🇺🇸 //stɑp ɪt//
MeaningA way to say you don't want to hear more from someone foolish.To tell someone to cease their actions.
ExampleIt's time to be serious, enough from the clown.If you keep making that noise, I will have to say, 'Stop it!'
RegisterInformalInformal
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
Collocationsenough said, enough is enough, from the sidelinesjust stop it, please stop it, stop it right now
Common mistakesUsing it in formal settings where politeness is required., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'Enough of the jokes'., Not understanding that it implies the person is acting foolishly.Using in formal discussions or settings., Mispronouncing as 'stopped it' in context., Confusing with similar phrases like 'cut it out'.
Usage notesUsed when someone is being silly or annoying. It’s informal and might be seen as rude in serious conversations.Used in casual contexts to command someone to halt a behavior. Avoid in formal situations.

See it in real clips

Enough from the clown
Stop it

Frequently asked questions: Enough from the clown vs Stop it

What's the difference between Enough from the clown and Stop it?

Enough from the clown: A way to say you don't want to hear more from someone foolish. Stop it: To tell someone to cease their actions.

Which is more common: Enough from the clown and Stop it?

Stop it is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Enough from the clown: It's time to be serious, enough from the clown. Stop it: If you keep making that noise, I will have to say, 'Stop it!'

Can I use Enough from the clown and Stop it interchangeably?

Not always. Enough from the clown and Stop it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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