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to throw in the towel
01
to accept the fact that one has been defeated
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "throw in the towel" and when to use it?
The idiom "throw in the towel" has its origins in the sport of boxing, where a fighter's coach or trainer would literally throw a towel into the boxing ring to signal their fighter's defeat and surrender, thereby ending the match. This practice usage back to the early 20th century. In a broader context, the phrase is now used figuratively to mean giving up or admitting defeat in the face of a challenging or difficult situation.
Example
She was determined to complete the marathon despite the pain, refusing to throw in the towel until she crossed the finish line.
The team faced numerous obstacles during the project, but they were determined not to throw in the towel.
The musician wouldn't throw in the towel despite a tough start.
After hours of trying to fix the broken computer, he finally decided to throw in the towel and call a professional.
When the negotiations reached an impasse, both parties agreed to throw in the towel and consider alternative solutions.
