Throw in the towel — to give up; to admit defeat and stop trying. It is used when someone decides to quit after struggling with a difficult situation.
Origin & History
The idiom comes from boxing. When a boxer's corner — the trainer or manager — wants to stop the fight because their boxer is in serious danger, they literally throw a towel (or sponge) into the ring as a signal of surrender. "Throw in the sponge" was the earlier British variant, recorded in the late 19th century, before "towel" became the standard form.
The figurative use became common in the 20th century and is now used in any context where someone decides to give up on a goal, project, or relationship.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| After months of trying, he finally threw in the towel. | Long struggle ending in giving up |
| Don't throw in the towel yet — you're so close to finishing. | Encouragement to continue |
| The startup threw in the towel after failing to secure funding. | Business closure |
| She refused to throw in the towel, even when things looked hopeless. | Determination |
| After the third failed attempt, he threw in the towel and asked for help. | Accepting defeat and seeking support |
Use It in Conversation
Dialogue Example
Tara: I've been trying to learn guitar for six months and I'm still terrible at it. I'm thinking of giving up.
Alex: Don't throw in the towel! Six months isn't very long. Everyone struggles at the start.
Tara: You're right. I'll give it another few months.
How to Use It
The idiom is used in the past tense ("he threw in the towel") to describe a completed decision to quit, or in the present ("she's thinking of throwing in the towel") for something ongoing. It is often used with "finally" to emphasise a long struggle before giving up.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He throw in the towel and quit.
He threw in the towel and quit. — Use the past tense 'threw', not 'throw'.
She threw in a towel.
She threw in the towel. — Always use 'the towel', not 'a towel'.