Quick answer: “Throw in the Towel” means to give up; to admit defeat.
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. Figurative expressions of this kind are the sort of entry catalogued by major reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which track how idiomatic meanings develop and spread.
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'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Throw in the Towel
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Throw in the Towel” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “Don't _____ yet — you're so close to finishing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "throw in the towel" mean?
"Throw in the towel" means to give up; to admit defeat and stop trying. It describes someone who decides to quit after struggling with a difficult situation.
Where does "throw in the towel" come from?
The idiom comes from boxing. A boxer's corner throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender and stop the fight. "Throw in the sponge" was an earlier British variant from the late 19th century before "towel" became standard.
Can you give an example of "throw in the towel" in a sentence?
Example: "After months of trying, he finally threw in the towel." It describes someone who has given up after a sustained effort.
Is "throw in the towel" formal or informal?
It is neutral to informal. It is widely used in everyday conversation, journalism, and semi-formal writing.
What CEFR level is "throw in the towel"?
This idiom is appropriate for B1–B2 (Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate) learners. It is one of the most commonly used English idioms related to giving up.
What are common mistakes when using "throw in the towel"?
A common mistake is using the wrong tense: say "he threw in the towel" (past), not "he throw in the towel". Also use "the towel", not "a towel".
What idioms are similar to "throw in the towel"?
Similar idioms include: "call it a day" (decide to stop), "bite the dust" (be defeated), and "raise the white flag" (signal surrender).
What is the opposite of "throw in the towel"?
The opposite includes "bite the bullet" (endure and continue), "step up to the plate" (take on a challenge), and "hang in there" (keep going despite difficulties).
How do I practise idioms like "throw in the towel"?
Try LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises. Write sentences about times you or someone else considered giving up and listen for the idiom in sports commentary.
Does "throw in the towel" mean the same in British and American English?
Yes. The idiom means the same in both varieties: to give up or admit defeat. "Throw in the sponge" is an older British variant with the same meaning.