throw in the towel
Say it: throw in the TOW-uhl /ˌθrəʊ ɪn ðə ˈtaʊəl/ · idiom
What “throw in the towel” means
Give up and accept defeat.
More precisely: To give up; to admit defeat.
Example: “After three failed launches, the founders threw in the towel.”
When to use it
In informal conversation, when someone stops trying because they believe they cannot succeed. The tone can be weary or sympathetic.
Memory trick
In boxing, a trainer can throw in a towel to signal surrender.
Similar words
give up, quit, admit defeat
Where it comes from
From boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to concede.
Quick check
After months of trying to repair an old radio, you decide it's hopeless and stop for good. Which phrase fits?
take a breather or throw in the towel?
Show the answer
throw in the towel
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