Throw in the towel
English Idiom
Meaning: To give up on a task or endeavor, acknowledging that continuing is futile or too difficult. It often implies a sense of defeat or surrender after trying hard.
Origin: The idiom 'Throw in the towel' originates from the sport of boxing. In boxing matches, a trainer or manager would literally throw a towel into the ring to signal that their fighter could not continue, thus conceding the match. This practice dates back to the early 20th century and has since become a metaphor for giving up in various contexts.
Examples
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After months of struggling with the complicated project, Jenna finally decided to throw in the towel.
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The startup was losing money rapidly, and the founders had no choice but to throw in the towel.
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Despite numerous attempts to fix the old car, Mark had to throw in the towel and buy a new one.
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When the negotiations reached a deadlock, the chief negotiator threw in the towel.
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After receiving multiple rejections from publishers, the aspiring author threw in the towel on her novel.
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Facing insurmountable odds, the team decided to throw in the towel and focus on a different strategy.
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The marathon runner, exhausted and injured, had to throw in the towel before reaching the finish line.
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Realizing that their business model was flawed, the entrepreneurs threw in the towel and pivoted to a new idea.
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After years of a tumultuous relationship, they both agreed it was time to throw in the towel and get a divorce.
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When the software continued to crash despite all efforts, the developers threw in the towel and started from scratch.
