thrown in the towel
phrase
variants
also thrown in the sponge
as in conceded
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
The badly beaten wrestler finally had to throw in the towel.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Cite this Entry
“Thrown in the towel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thrown%20in%20the%20towel. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share