Give it a rest

[1287] Get off my case

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • An aggressive or defensive demand for someone to stop criticizing, nagging, bothering, or closely monitoring the speaker.
  • Means Stop hassling me or Leave me alone about this.

Origin

  • Case likely refers metaphorically to the 'file' or 'situation' related to the speaker.
  • Get off means to remove oneself or stop interfering.
  • The phrase implies the listener is acting like a prosecutor or overly involved investigator regarding the speaker's affairs. Mid-20th century usage.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Get off my back. (Extremely common synonym)
  • Leave me alone.
  • Stop nagging me.
  • Give me a break. / Cut me some slack.
  • Lay off.
  • Mind your own business. (Focuses on privacy rather than nagging)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Quit breathing down my neck.
  • Stop hovering.
  • Back the fuck off. (Vulgar)
  • Get outta my face. / Get outta my grill. (More confrontational/dated slang)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • Get the fuck off my case/back.
  • Piss off. (UK/Aus very rude)
  • Fuck off. (Universally vulgar)

More Polite (but firm):

  • I need some space on this issue.
  • I appreciate your concern, but I need to handle this myself.
  • Please stop bringing this up.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal and confrontational. Can be considered rude.
  • Definitely avoid in formal settings, with superiors, or anyone you need to be polite to. Best reserved for situations where you feel genuinely harassed by peers or family.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Learners must understand this is an angry, push-back phrase, not a polite request. Using it inappropriately will cause conflict.

Examples

  • I said I'll do my chores later, now get off my case!
  • My boss keeps checking on my progress every five minutes. I wish he'd get off my case.
  • Stop asking if I've called him yet! Get off my case!

Dialogue

Liam: Did you apply for that job yet? You know the deadline is soon. Did you update your resume like I suggested? Have you...?

Sara: Liam! Please, get off my case! I'm handling it!

Liam: I'm just worried you'll miss out!

Social Media Examples

  • Vent tweet: To everyone giving unsolicited advice on my life choices: Get off my case! #boundaries
  • Reply to a critical comment chain: Seriously, get off my case. I made my decision.
  • Chat argument: User A: *Keeps criticizing User B's opinion* User B: Look, just get off my case, alright?

Response Patterns

  • Okay, okay! I'll stop. (Backing down)
  • I was just asking! / I'm just trying to help! (Defensive justification)
  • Fine! See if I care! (Angry withdrawal)
  • Escalation into an argument.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Get off my case:

  • Ideally, the listener stops the nagging or criticism.
  • Often, it can lead to defensiveness or an argument (Don't speak to me like that!).

The speaker:

  • Has clearly indicated they feel harassed and want the listener to stop.

Conversation Starter

  • No. A defensive reaction.

Intonation

  • Almost always said with annoyance, frustration, or anger.
  • Strong stress on off and case. Get OFF my CASE!

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood. Might feel slightly more common among Gen X / older millennials, but still used. Younger speakers might use Stop coming for me, Leave me alone, or more direct language.

Regional Variations

  • Common, especially in American English. Get off my back is equally prevalent, possibly more so in UK/Aus.
Give it a rest
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