give it a rest
Meaning
Stop talking about it or stop doing something annoying; calm down and drop the subject.
Origin
From the literal sense of letting something “rest” (pause/stop). By the early–mid 20th century it became a spoken, mildly rude way to tell someone to stop an irritating action or topic.
Notes
Spoken and mildly rude/irritated. Used to shut down a repeated complaint, boast, teasing, or annoying behavior; avoid in formal or respectful contexts.
Examples
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Give it a rest, okay? We’ve heard the story a hundred times.
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You’re still blaming him for what happened—give it a rest and move on.
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Give it a rest with the jokes; this is a serious meeting.
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If your knee hurts that much, give it a rest for a few days.
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Give it a rest—no one’s impressed by your constant complaining.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Imperative pattern: “Give it a rest.” Often with “just”: “Just give it a rest.” ‘It’ refers to the topic/behavior; tense changes are uncommon (not usually “gave it a rest” in the idiomatic sense).
Synonyms
- knock it off
- cut it out
- quit it
- drop it
- give it a break
Antonyms
- keep it up
- carry on
- continue
- persist