put a sock in it
Meaning
A rude, informal way to tell someone to stop talking or stop making noise.
Origin
Likely early 20th‑century British slang: putting a sock in a gramophone/trumpet was a way to muffle or silence it, extended to telling a person to be quiet.
Notes
Very informal and often rude/hostile. Sometimes used jokingly among friends, but avoid in formal settings or with strangers.
Examples
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Put a sock in it, I’m trying to concentrate on this report.
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If you’re going to keep shouting during the movie, please put a sock in it.
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He told the heckler to put a sock in it and let the speaker finish.
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Put a sock in it for a minute—your sister is on the phone.
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She finally snapped, "Put a sock in it," when the arguing wouldn’t stop.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as an imperative: “Put a sock in it!” You can add a subject (“Will you put a sock in it?”). Rarely varied; “sock” stays singular and the phrasing is fairly fixed.
Synonyms
- shut up
- be quiet
- pipe down
- zip it
Antonyms
- keep talking
- speak up
- carry on