Throw in the towel Meaning in English
expression
THROH-in-thuh-TOWL
throh-IN-thuh-TOW-uhl
Definition
To stop trying to do something because you think you cannot succeed; to give up or quit.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, idiomatic, from boxing; also seen as 'throw in the sponge.' Common in sports, work, or any challenge. Use it when someone decides to give up after struggling.
Spanish: rendirse - tirar la toallaPortuguese (BR): desistir - jogar a toalhaPortuguese (PT): desistir - deitar a toalhaChinese (Simplified): 认输 - 放弃Chinese (Traditional): 認輸 - 放棄Hindi: हार मान लेना - हथियार डाल देनाArabic: الاستسلام - رفع الراية البيضاءBengali: হার মানা - হাল ছেড়ে দেওয়াRussian: сдаться - опустить рукиJapanese: 諦める - ギブアップするVietnamese: bỏ cuộc - đầu hàngKorean: 포기하다 - 손을 들다(은유적으로)Turkish: havlu atmak - pes etmekUrdu: ہتھیار ڈال دینا - ہار مان لیناIndonesian: menyerah - angkat tangan
Example Sentences
After many tries, he finally threw in the towel.
basic
She did not want to throw in the towel on her dreams.
basic
Don’t throw in the towel just because it’s hard.
basic
I almost threw in the towel, but my friends convinced me to keep going.
natural
When the company started losing money, the owners threw in the towel and closed it down.
natural
It’s tough, but I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet!
natural