put up or shut up
phrase
informal
—used to tell someone in a somewhat rude way to start doing something or to stop talking about it
You've complained long enough. It's time to put up or shut up.
Cite this Entry
“Put up or shut up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20up%20or%20shut%20up. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
