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Region: General | Usage example: After three attempts to fix the bug, the team lead finally threw in the towel.

Throw in the towel

Meaning

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Usage

Used in both serious contexts and lighthearted ones to suggest stopping after persistent attempts.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Comes from boxing when a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight.

Associated with prizefighting in the late 1800s when stopping a fight was as much about safety as defeat.

Related Idioms

A stone's throw

A very short distance.

Throw a wrench in the works

Disrupt a plan or process.

Throw your weight around

Use authority aggressively or boastfully.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.