cries uncle
Admits total defeat
Cries uncle means to admit defeat or surrender, especially after prolonged resistance or pressure.
The phrase comes from a scenario where someone being physically dominated—often pinned down—must say "uncle" to make their tormentor stop: He finally cried uncle after the third round of negotiations.
It implies yielding reluctantly rather than gracefully.
- relentCease resistance or severity
- cryVocal expression of emotion
- beg for mercyPlead for compassionate treatment
- pinPointed metal fastener
- holdMaintain in grasp
hold down · capitulate · yield · admit defeat · throw in the towel · tap out · back down · grip · succumb · contest · acquiesce · tap · submit · wave the white flag · concede · mercy · squeeze · fight
cries uncleholds out
Maintains position despite pressure
fights back · perseveres · digs in · never gives up · soldiers on
cries uncledominates
Exerts supreme control
conquers · triumphs · overpowers · vanquishes · prevails