Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to throw in the towel
idiom
/tə θroʊ ɪn ðə ˈtaʊəl/
Definition
To give up or admit defeat, especially after a struggle or challenge.
Examples
- After several failed attempts to fix the car, I decided to throw in the towel and call a mechanic.
- She worked hard on the project, but when it became too overwhelming, she finally threw in the towel.
Meaning
This phrase originates from boxing, where a trainer would throw a towel into the ring as a signal that their fighter can no longer continue.
Synonyms
- give up
- quit
- concede defeat
- abandon
