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to call it quits
01
to decide to stop a particular activity or relationship
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Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "call it quits" and when to use it?
The idiom "call it quits" has its origins in informal English and dates back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have originated in the United States. The word "quits" in this context means "even" or "equal." When two parties in a game or competition decided to end it and declare themselves even, they would "call it quits." The idiom "call it quits" is used to indicate that a particular activity, situation, or relationship is being ended, usually because the participants feel that they are on equal terms, or they want to bring it to a close without further dispute or continuation.
Example
The players were exhausted, and the game was tied, so they called it quits and decided to resume the match another day.
We argued for hours, but in the end, we agreed to call it quits and put the disagreement behind us.
The company's financial losses were unsustainable, so they had to call it quits and close the business.
Their marriage had been strained for years, and they finally decided to call it quits and get a divorce.
After years of working together, they decided to call it quits and pursue their own careers.
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