put a sock in it

P

put a sock in it

Meaning

• to ask someone to stop talking
• to ask someone to shut up
• to not say anything

Example Sentences

1. The teacher had asked the student to be quiet several times but he was still talking. She got angry and asked him to put a sock in it.
2. I am going to put a sock in it until things are more finalized.
3. The rangers put a sock in it when they are looking for wild animals to place the tag on.
4. The lawyer had to put a sock in it when he went overboard with questioning the poor old lady.
5. My granddaughter has a lot to say at all times and just cannot put a sock in it.
6. The children immediately put a sock in it when it is time for their father to come home.
7. The maid had put a sock in it while doing the dishes because her employer was asleep on the sofa and could have gotten disturbed.

Origin

The origin comes from British English where people have a highly sarcastic and funny manner of speaking with each other when they are in an informal setting. The phrase is used more in a joking, informal way of addressing friends.