Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
throw-in-the-towel
idiom
θroʊ ɪn ðə ˈtaʊəl
Definition
To give up or admit defeat, particularly in a difficult situation.
Examples
- After several failed attempts to fix the car, he decided to throw in the towel and call a mechanic.
- She felt like throwing in the towel on her project when she faced so many obstacles.
- When the team was down by twenty points in the final quarter, the coach contemplated throwing in the towel.
Meaning
This phrase is often used when someone decides to stop trying to achieve something because they believe they cannot succeed.
Synonyms
- give up
- admit defeat
- give in
- quit
