- To stop doing something; to give up on an activity, job, or relationship.
Explanation
Origin
- From the word quits, meaning on equal terms, often used when settling a debt or ending a dispute (call it quits meant agreeing the matter was settled).
- Evolved to mean stopping any activity, often implying resignation or reaching a natural stopping point.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bail
- Bounce (Leave, quit)
- Dip (Leave, quit)
- I'm out (Declaring departure/quitting)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck this, I'm done.
- Stick it / Shove it (Referring to quitting a job defiantly)
Milder/Formal:
- Cease the activity
- Terminate the arrangement
- Discontinue
- Resign one's position
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to Semi-formal.
- Common in everyday conversation. Acceptable in many work contexts when speaking casually about leaving a job or ending a project, but resign is the formal term for leaving employment.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well understood. Ensure distinction from call it a day, which usually means stopping for the day, while call it quits implies a more permanent stop.
Examples
- After 30 years with the company, he decided to call it quits and retire.
- We tried to fix the old car, but eventually, we had to call it quits.
- They argued constantly and finally decided to call it quits on their relationship.
Dialogue
Sarah: I haven't seen Mark at the gym lately.
Leo: Yeah, he called it quits. Said he wasn't seeing results and lost motivation.
Sarah: Oh, that's too bad. Maybe he just needed to change his routine.
Leo: Perhaps, but sounds like his mind was made up.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: After 5 amazing years, I've decided to call it quits on this podcast. Thanks to all my listeners! It's been real. ❤️ #podcast #ending #gratitude
- Facebook Post: Tried learning guitar for 6 months... my fingers still hurt and I sound terrible. Think it's time to call it quits. 😂 #fail #hobby #music
- LinkedIn Update: Announcing my departure from [Company Name]. After [X] years, I've decided to call it quits and explore new opportunities. Grateful for the experience! (Often phrased more formally, but the sentiment is there).
Response Patterns
- Are you sure?
- Why? What happened?
- Probably for the best.
- Good for you. (If quitting a bad situation)
- I'm sorry to hear that. (Depending on context)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they called it quits:
- Ask for the reasons behind the decision.
- Ask about their future plans.
- Express support, sympathy, or congratulations depending on the situation.
Conversation Starter
- No. It announces a decision to stop something.
Intonation
- Stress on call and quits.
- Tone can be neutral, resigned, relieved, or final. CALL it QUITS.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.