Giving Up or Quitting – “Throw in the Towel”

In this short video, we explain the English expression “throw in the towel,” which means to give up or quit, often when a situation becomes too challenging or impossible. This phrase is commonly used in both professional and personal contexts, especially when someone decides that continuing is no longer an option.

For example, if a project at work is going nowhere or a goal seems unachievable, someone might say, “It’s time to throw in the towel.” This expression comes from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to stop the fight, signaling that their fighter can’t continue.

Knowing this phrase helps you understand when to express that it’s time to stop, either after a series of failed attempts or simply recognizing that it’s better to quit than to keep struggling. It’s not just about failure; it’s also about understanding when to move on to something else.

Add this useful phrase to your vocabulary to communicate more fluently in situations where quitting is the best option.