Throw in the towel
/θroʊ ɪn ðə ˈtaʊəl/informal, neutralUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “Throw in the towel” mean?
Throw in the towel means to stop trying and admit defeat because a situation has become too difficult.
To throw in the towel means you realize that you cannot succeed, so you quit. It usually applies when you have already put a lot of work or energy into something, but continuing is pointless.
This phrase often carries a sense of relief mixed with sadness. It shows that a person has reached their limit and chosen to walk away instead of suffering more.
When do people say it?
People use this expression when someone decides to stop trying after a long or painful struggle.
“After fixing the car engine for three hours with no success, Tom decided to throw in the towel.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal, neutral. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
This phrase comes from boxing. A fighter's coach would throw a towel into the ring to surrender and stop the match.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Throw in the towel” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11