- To stop resisting or arguing; to yield or surrender to pressure, demands, or temptation.
- To finally agree to something after initially opposing it.
Explanation
Origin
- Combines give (to offer or yield) with in (indicating movement towards submission or inside a state of agreement).
- It implies yielding ground or one's position.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Cave in (very common synonym)
- Fold (like folding in poker, giving up)
- Throw in the towel (admit defeat)
- Bite the bullet (accept something difficult, can imply giving in)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Often context-dependent, focusing on *why* someone gave in (e.g., He finally gave in because they threatened his fucking job.) The phrase itself isn't usually vulgar.
Milder/Formal:
- Accede
- Acquiesce
- Yield
- Concede
Situational Appropriateness
- Neutral.
- Common in most contexts, from personal stories to political negotiations. Capitulate or acquiesce are more formal alternatives.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could be confused with give up (stop trying altogether) or give away (donate/reveal). Give in specifically means ceasing resistance to something external (pressure, temptation, demands).
Examples
- The children kept begging for ice cream, and eventually, their parents gave in.
- After weeks of negotiation, the company finally gave in to the union's demands.
- Don't give in to your cravings for junk food.
- He argued for a while but gave in when he saw he wouldn't win.
Dialogue
Sam: I swore I wouldn't buy that expensive coffee machine.
Tina: Oh yeah? I saw a new espresso maker on your counter this morning!
Sam: I know! I held out for weeks, but they had a sale, and I just gave in.
Tina: Haha, I know the feeling! Was it worth it?
Sam: Totally.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Resisted the urge to buy concert tickets all day... and then I gave in. See you at the show! #impulsebuy #musiclover
- Facebook Post: Day 5 of the diet. Almost gave in and ordered pizza, but stayed strong! #healthyeating #willpower
- Instagram Poll: Should I give in and get bangs? (Options: Yes! / No, resist!)
Response Patterns
- Understanding/Sympathy: I know, it's hard to resist. / Sometimes you just have to.
- Encouragement (if advising not to give in): Stay strong! / Don't let them win.
- Disappointment/Criticism (if disapproving of giving in): You shouldn't have given in. / Why did you give in?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says they gave in:
- Ask why: What made you finally give in?
- Express sympathy/understanding: Yeah, I probably would have too.
- Discuss the outcome: So what happened then?
After advising someone not to give in:
- Offer support or alternative strategies.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually describes a reaction or decision within a situation.
Intonation
- Stress typically falls on GIVE and IN.
- Eventually, they GAVE IN. / Don't GIVE IN.
Generation Differences
- Used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.