De handdoek in de ring gooien
Example: Na veel proberen besloot hij de handdoek in de ring te gooien.
Definition
"De handdoek in de ring gooien" is a Dutch expression meaning to give up or surrender after trying hard, often because the effort seems futile. For example, after many attempts, someone might decide to stop trying and admit defeat.
Etymology
The phrase "de handdoek in de ring gooien" literally means 'to throw the towel into the ring.' It originates from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender and stop the fight. This vivid metaphor was adopted into everyday language to indicate giving up.
Learn to use this expression actively
"De handdoek in de ring gooien" appears in the Vocaplus list "Dutch - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C1) - set 1", containing 100 commonly used expressions.
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to throw in the towel