A polite or casual way of telling someone not to go to great effort or trouble on one's behalf; decline unnecessary exertion.
2.
USUKinformalsarcasticdismissive
A sarcastic remark implying that the other person's effort is unnecessary, futile, or will not be appreciated; used to downplay or dismiss their actions.
Examples:
EN: - But don't knock yourself out, Lois.
ES: - No te desmerezcas, Lois.
EN: Listen, about these theater tickets-- don't knock yourself out trying to...
ES: Escucha, sobre lo de las entradas, no te sientas mal por no conseguir...
EN: Yeah, don't knock yourself out.
ES: Sí, no te esfuerces mucho.
EN: I'm on again tonight, but don't knock yourself out.
ID: Aku main lagi malam ini, tapi jangan sampai tinggalan.
EN: Listen, about these theater tickets-- don't knock yourself out trying to... Oh, you did?
ID: Dengar, mengenai tiket bioskop ini, jangan repot-repot...
EN: All right, don't knock yourself out. I'll listen to your song.
ES: Muy bien, oiré su canción.
EN: All right, don't knock yourself out. I'll listen to your song.
ES: Muy bien, oiré su canción.
EN: Okay, okay, don't knock yourself out, Super Frenchman.