What does “Throw in the towel” mean?
"Throw in the towel" means to give up or surrender.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After hours of trying to fix the computer, he finally threw in the towel.
Example
She was exhausted from the race and decided to throw in the towel.
Example
The team was losing by a large margin and decided to throw in the towel
Is “Throw in the towel” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Throw in the towel” 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 “Throw in the towel” effectively in context?
You can use "Throw in the towel" to express the idea of giving up or surrendering in a challenging situation. It emphasizes the decision to stop trying or to admit defeat. For example, if a friend is struggling with a difficult project, you might say, 'If it's too overwhelming, it's okay to throw in the towel and ask for help.'
- 1Sports
After a series of losses, the team decided to throw in the towel and withdraw from the tournament.
- 2Relationships
After months of trying to make the relationship work, she finally threw in the towel and ended things.
- 3Work
Feeling overwhelmed by the workload, he considered throwing in the towel and quitting his job.
Similar phrases to “Throw in the towel”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Throw in the towel” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Throw in the towel" is believed to come from boxing. In the past, when a boxer was unable to continue fighting, their coach or cornerman would throw a towel into the ring as a signal of surrender, indicating that the boxer was giving up.
Is “Throw in the towel” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Throw in the towel" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where they give up or surrender in the face of difficulty or adversity.
What tone does “Throw in the towel” have?
"Throw in the towel" conveys a tone of resignation and defeat. It suggests that the person has reached a point where they feel they can no longer continue or succeed.
Can “Throw in the towel” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "throw in the towel" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of giving up or surrendering. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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 was frustrated with the project and decided to throw in the towel.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm done, I'm throwing in the towel!' to express surrender or giving up.
