threw in the towel
Stopped fighting back
Threw in the towel means gave up or conceded defeat.
The phrase comes from boxing, where a trainer tosses a towel into the ring to stop a fight and spare the boxer further punishment.
Outside the ring, it describes surrendering after sustained effort: After months of failed negotiations, the company threw in the towel.
- gave upAbandoned an attempt
- gave inStopped resisting pressure
- surrenderedCeased resistance formally
- quitCease doing something
- acquiesceSubmit without protest
cried uncle · called it quits · capitulate · tapped out · concede · abdicate · disheartened · abandoned · yield · resign · submit · ring · defeated · bowed out · walked away · forfeit · boxing · discouraged
persistence and determination
threw in the towelpersevered
Continued despite difficulty
soldiered on · kept going · pressed on · pushed through · doubled down
threw, throw, throws, throwing, thrown, thrower, towel, towels, toweling