throw in the sponge
Admit total defeat
To throw in the sponge is to give up or admit defeat, synonymous with throw in the towel.
Both expressions come from boxing, where a fighter's corner signals surrender by tossing something into the ring.
After months of failed negotiations, the union threw in the sponge.
- quitCease doing something
- give upStop attempting something
- capitulateYield under pressure
- acquiesceSubmit without protest
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
concede · admit defeat · call it quits · yield · bow out · pack it in · fold · cry uncle · succumb · technical knockout · down for the count · abdicate · abandon · tap out · resign · submit · wave the white flag · raise the white flag
throw in the spongepersevere
Continue despite obstacles
persist · carry on · keep going · fight on · soldier on
throw in the spongewin
Achieve victory
triumph · prevail · conquer · overcome · come out on top
throw in the spongekeep hope alive
Sustain belief in possibility
keep the faith · rally · regroup · bounce back · rise to the occasion
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