Spare me the details

[1286] Give it a rest

🎲 Get off my case
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • An idiom meaning Stop talking about that subject or Stop doing that annoying thing.
  • Usually said out of annoyance, impatience, or exhaustion with the topic or action.

Origin

  • Rest here means cessation or stopping.
  • Give it [the topic/action] a rest means to let it cease, leave it alone. Similar to Let it rest.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Let it rest. (Slightly milder, suggests letting the issue lie)
  • Drop it. (Direct command to stop talking about it)
  • Enough already.
  • Knock it off. (Especially for actions)
  • Change the record. (UK suggests tedious repetition)
  • Put a sock in it. (Very informal/rude slang)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Pack it in. (UK/Aus)
  • Can it. (Dated slang)
  • Chill. / Chill out. (Telling someone to calm down/stop being intense)
  • Simmer down.

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Shut the fuck up. / STFU (Online)
  • Put a lid on it. (Less vulgar but still firm)

Milder/More Polite:

  • Could we maybe talk about something else now?
  • I think we've exhausted that topic.
  • Let's agree to disagree and move on.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal. Can sound quite blunt or rude.
  • Tone and relationship are crucial. Generally inappropriate in formal settings or with superiors.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners need to understand it's an impatient command, not a suggestion to take a break. It carries significant annoyance.

Examples

  • You've complained about your boss all evening. Give it a rest!
  • Okay, we get it, you're on a diet. Give it a rest.
  • (To someone clicking their pen repeatedly) Give it a rest, please!

Dialogue

Ben: ...and that's the fifth reason why Star Wars is better than Star Trek. The narrative arcs are just far superior...

Chloe: Ben, please. We've been over this a million times. Give it a rest!

Ben: Okay, okay. Subject dropped.

Social Media Examples

  • Reply to someone constantly posting negativity: Dude, give it a rest. Try posting something positive for a change.
  • Comment on a repetitive argument thread: This debate again? Give it a rest, people.
  • Tweet: Hearing the same conspiracy theory for the 100th time... give it a rest already! #tired

Response Patterns

  • Alright, alright, sorry. (Complying)
  • Fine! (Annoyed compliance)
  • Why? It's true! (Defiance)
  • Stopping the action or changing the subject.
  • Ignoring the command.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Give it a rest:

  • The person addressed ideally stops the behavior or topic.
  • An argument might occur if they feel unfairly told off.

The speaker might:

  • Reinforce the command if ignored (I'm serious, drop it).

Conversation Starter

  • No. A command to cease an ongoing action or topic.

Intonation

  • Typically said with irritation or exasperation.
  • Strong emphasis on rest. Give it a REST!

Generation Differences

  • Common across most generations, though perhaps feels slightly less current than Drop it to very young speakers.

Regional Variations

  • Widely used in major English-speaking regions.
Spare me the details
🎲 Get off my case