Cut it out vs Enough from the clown

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

Cut it out

InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)

Enough from the clown

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Cut it out
 Cut it outEnough from the clown
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //kʌt ɪt aʊt//🇺🇸 //kʌt ɪt aʊt//🇬🇧 //ɪˈnʌf frəm ðə klaʊn//🇺🇸 //ɪˈnʌf frəm ðə klaʊn//
MeaningStop doing something annoying or unwanted.A way to say you don't want to hear more from someone foolish.
ExampleYou're making me laugh too much, cut it out!It's time to be serious, enough from the clown.
RegisterInformalInformal
How commonTop 5,000 (fairly common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Collocationscut it out now, cut it out, please, just cut it out, cut it out already, don't cut it outenough said, enough is enough, from the sidelines
Common mistakesUsing it with a subject ('cut it out' is meant to be imperative)., Confusing it with 'cut' which could imply literal cutting.Using 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.
Usage notesUsed in casual conversations. Can be playful or serious. Avoid in formal settings.Used when someone is being silly or annoying. It’s informal and might be seen as rude in serious conversations.

See it in real clips

Cut it out
Enough from the clown

Frequently asked questions: Cut it out vs Enough from the clown

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

Cut it out: Stop doing something annoying or unwanted. Enough from the clown: A way to say you don't want to hear more from someone foolish.

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

Cut it out is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Cut it out: You're making me laugh too much, cut it out! Enough from the clown: It's time to be serious, enough from the clown.

Can I use Cut it out and Enough from the clown interchangeably?

Not always. Cut it out and Enough from the clown 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.

Related comparisons