a phrase that means "Don't try to be clever or manipulative, especially in a way that's rude or unpleasant" according to the Cambridge Dictionary. It implies someone is being overly clever or trying to get out of something by being sly, and it's often used when someone is being impertinent or smart-alecky
Don't be cute
Marcus (smirking as he tucks the last slice of pizza into his jacket): Hey, don’t worry—I already paid for it. You can have it tomorrow.
Jenna (raising an eyebrow): Seriously? You’d do that for me?
Marcus (shrugging): Of course.
Jenna (playfully sniffing the air): Mmm, smells good. You really want me to wait until tomorrow?
Marcus (firmly, cutting off her teasing): Don’t be cute—just give me your phone so I can set a reminder to drop it by your place first thing in the morning.
Marcus (smirking as he tucks the last slice of pizza into his jacket): Hey, don’t worry—I already paid for it. You can have it tomorrow.
Jenna (raising an eyebrow): Seriously? You’d do that for me?
Marcus (shrugging): Of course.
Jenna (playfully sniffing the air): Mmm, smells good. You really want me to wait until tomorrow?
Marcus (firmly, cutting off her teasing): Don’t be cute—just give me your phone so I can set a reminder to drop it by your place first thing in the morning.
by Babel May 31, 2025
Get the Don't be cutemug. 
by I'm right about everything April 15, 2017
Get the Cutemug. 