is a simple cautionary expression that can be quickly & easily uttered under one's breath without pursing of the lips (in other words- it is possible to exclaim through the teeth with little movement of the jaw and mouth).. thus, an
innocent smile
may be seen maintained and unbroken on the
face of a lookout as he or she directs accomplices to halt their actions- 'cheese it' is simply a warning to desist that can be spoken by a guard without giving himself away as an accomplice or drawing attention to the forbidden
act at hand.
CHEESE IT! or cheese it! would not necessarily be used in a sentence unless in literature or in
film and, then, only to
better convey to the audience the reason for it's use. For instance- to say CHEESE IT! will suffice in
common usage- adding "THE COPS!" is completely unnecessary.