1184 Throw in the towel - English Idioms

Explanation

To give up, admit defeat, or surrender, especially in a struggle or contest.

Origin

Comes from the sport of boxing.
When a boxer's coach or corner team believes their fighter cannot safely continue the match, they signal defeat by literally throwing a towel into the boxing ring.
This act stops the fight and concedes victory to the opponent.
The phrase became widely used figuratively from the early 20th century onwards.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Pack it in (Stop doing something)
Jack it in (UK Stop doing something, quit)
Bail (Give up on something, leave)
Fold (Give in under pressure, from poker)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Say 'fuck it' (Give up, stop caring Vulgar)

Milder/Formal:

Cease efforts
Concede
Discontinue the attempt
Acknowledge defeat

Situational Appropriateness

Common in informal and semi-formal contexts. The imagery is vivid and widely understood.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Entirely figurative. Non-native speakers need to understand it means giving up, not literally throwing a towel.

Examples

After hours of trying to fix the computer, he finally threw in the towel and called a technician.
The team was losing badly and seemed ready to throw in the towel.
Don't throw in the towel yet; we might still find a solution!

Dialogue

Developer A: I can't figure out this bug. I've spent two days on it! I'm ready to throw in the towel.

Developer B: No way! Don't give up now. Let me take a look with you. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes will help.

Developer A: You think? Okay, maybe just for another hour.

Developer B: That's the spirit! Let's crack this thing.

Response Patterns

If someone says they are throwing in the towel: Are you sure? Don't give up! Maybe take a break first? I understand, it's been tough.
If someone is urged not to: Okay, I'll try a little longer. It's just so difficult. What else can we do?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone throws in the towel:

One might ask Why did you decide to stop? or offer sympathy Sorry it didn't work out.
Action involves stopping the effort and accepting the failure or end of the struggle.

After urging someone not to throw in the towel:

One might offer help or suggest alternative strategies.

Conversation Starter

No. Describes the act of giving up.

Intonation

Emphasis on throw and towel. THROW in the TOWEL.
Can be said with resignation (if describing giving up) or encouragement (if urging someone not to).

Generation Differences

Understood across generations.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions.

The ball is in your court

🎲 Tie the knot

[1184] Throw in the towel