What does “Say uncle” mean?
"Say uncle" means to admit defeat or surrender.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After hours of arguing, he finally said uncle and agreed to my terms.
Example
The team fought hard, but in the end, they had to say uncle to their opponents.
Example
I refused to say uncle and kept pushing forward despite the challenges
Is “Say uncle” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Say uncle” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Say uncle” effectively in context?
You can use "Say Uncle" to describe a situation where someone admits defeat or surrenders. It's often used in a playful or lighthearted context. For example, if you and your friend are playfully wrestling and they give up, you might say, 'Finally, you said uncle!'
- 1Argument
After hours of arguing, he finally said uncle and agreed to my terms.
- 2Competition
The team fought hard, but in the end, they had to say uncle to their opponents.
- 3Perseverance
I refused to say uncle and kept pushing forward despite the challenges.
Similar phrases to “Say uncle”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Say uncle” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Say Uncle" is unknown.
Is “Say uncle” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Say Uncle" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in informal settings or when talking about playful situations.
What tone does “Say uncle” have?
"Say Uncle" conveys a playful and lighthearted tone. It's often used in a joking manner to tease someone who has given up or admitted defeat.
Can “Say uncle” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Say Uncle" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may not be appropriate for formal or professional situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He finally said uncle and admitted that he was wrong.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "say uncle"!' to imply surrendering or giving up.
