He decided to throw up the sponge after losing the game.
throw up the sponge
idiomTo give up a contest; to acknowledge defeat; to throw in the towel.
Origin
disputed originFrom a custom of the boxing ring, the person employed to sponge a pugilist between rounds throwing his sponge in the air in token of defeat.
The team struggled for hours, but they finally threw up the sponge when the score became impossible to beat.
Despite his initial determination to win the legal battle, the mounting costs eventually forced him to throw up the sponge and accept the settlement.
- 01
lock someone up and throw away the key
To lock someone up in prison indefinitely.
- 02
stone's throw
A short distance, roughly equivalent to how far a person can throw a stone.
- 03
throw a bone to
To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to.
- 04
throw a fit
To become angry, enraged, or upset; to act or react with an outburst, as by shouting, swearing, etc.
- 05
throw a kiss
To kiss one's hand, then make a gesture as if one was throwing the kiss in a direction towards the recipient.
- 06
throw a monkey wrench in the works
Synonym of throw a spanner in the works.
- 07
throw a monkey wrench into the works
Synonym of throw a spanner into the works.
- 08
throw a spanner in the works
To introduce a problem, dilemma or obstacle, something unexpected or troublesome.