[Idiom] THROW IN THE TOWEL. - Strategies for Knowing When to Move On
Throw in the towel.
/θroʊ ɪn ðə taʊəl/
Give up.
Throw in the towel" is a phrase used to signify giving up or quitting, and it comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight, indicating surrender. This idiom is relevant in discussions about knowing when to continue fighting for something and when it is more prudent to stop. While persistence is often lauded as a virtue, recognizing when efforts are futile can save time, resources, and emotional well-being, making it a strategic decision rather than a sign of weakness.
Example Sentences
He decided to throw in the towel after years of failure.
This illustrates someone giving up after repeatedly failing.
It's time to throw in the towel and let someone else try.
This suggests giving up and allowing others an opportunity to handle the situation or problem.
After losing ten games in a row, the coach threw in the towel and resigned.
The sentence conveys giving up after multiple failures, leading to resignation from a position or role.