# throw up one's hands

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-up-ones-hands
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cease an attempt because it is perceived as doomed.

## Examples

- I throw up my hands because this puzzle is impossible.
- After the computer crashed for the third time, the technician threw up his hands and called for help.
- Faced with the endless bureaucracy and lack of progress, the committee members finally threw up their hands and abandoned the project entirely.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.