Expanding your vocabulary with idioms is one of the best ways to impress examiners and boost your score in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. One powerful and frequently used idiom you should not overlook is “throw in the towel”. So, what does this phrase mean, where does it come from, and how can you apply it naturally in your IELTS responses? Let’s explore this in detail.
1. What Does “Throw in the Towel” Mean
“Throw in the towel” is an English idiom that means to give up, admit defeat, or stop trying to do something, especially after repeated attempts and persistent failure. It often applies when someone realizes continuing the effort is no longer worthwhile or effective.
Examples
The small business had been losing money for three consecutive years, so the owners decided to throw in the towel and close it down
After failing the driving test three times, he finally threw in the towel
2. Origin of the Idiom “Throw in the Towel”
The phrase “throw in the towel” originates from the sport of boxing. In traditional boxing matches, when a fighter is being seriously overpowered and cannot continue, the trainer or coach throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender and stop the match.
The towel, often used to wipe sweat and blood between rounds, became a symbol of resignation. Throwing it into the ring represents a tough but necessary decision to protect the fighter from further harm.
Over time, this idiom moved beyond sports and became commonly used in daily conversation, literature, and journalism, especially in political or business contexts.
3. How to Use “Throw in the Towel” Correctly
To use the idiom fluently in your IELTS answers, you should understand its meaning, grammar, and appropriate context.
Basic structure S + throw (threw) in the towel (on + something)
Common contexts and examples
Admitting failure Down by 30 points with only two minutes left, the coach effectively threw in the towel by putting in all the substitute players
Abandoning an unrealistic goal After three years of trying to make his start-up profitable, he finally threw in the towel and accepted a corporate job
Conceding during a debate or discussion We debated for over an hour. At first, I defended my point, but eventually, I threw in the towel and admitted she might be right
Feeling overwhelmed after trying hard I tried balancing work and IELTS prep for months. At one point, I was so exhausted I nearly threw in the towel and postponed the exam
Offering encouragement I know things are tough right now, but do not throw in the towel. You have worked so hard to get here, and I truly believe you can make it
4. Difference Between “Throw in the Towel” and “Give Up”
Although both expressions refer to giving up, they differ slightly in nuance and tone.
Throw in the towel
More dramatic and visual
Often used after a tough struggle or repeated failures
Common in sports, business, and debates
Give up
More general
Can be used in casual or serious situations
Common in daily conversation
Examples
Do not throw in the towel yet We still have a chance
After trying for hours, I gave up on solving the puzzle
5. Related Idioms and Synonyms for “Throw in the Towel”
Expanding your vocabulary by learning similar idioms helps you speak with more variety and precision.
Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Call it quits | Decide to stop doing something | After three hours of unsuccessful fishing, we decided to call it quits and head back to shore. |
Give up | Stop trying | After several failed attempts, he refused to give up and kept trying until he succeeded. |
Raise/Wave the white flag | Surrender or admit defeat | After arguing for hours, he finally raised the white flag. |
Admit defeat | Acknowledge failure | After trying for hours to fix the computer myself, I had to admit defeat and call a professional. |
Pack it in | Quit doing something | It's getting dark and starting to rain. I think we should pack it in for today. |
6. Using “Throw in the Towel” in the IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1 Application
Although IELTS Speaking Part 1 focuses on everyday topics, naturally including an idiom like “throw in the towel” can demonstrate strong language skills.
Question: What is your favorite hobby and have you ever thought about giving it up
Answer: My favorite hobby is playing the piano, which I have enjoyed since I was seven. During university, I was tempted to throw in the towel several times because balancing piano with exams was tough. But I am glad I pushed through because playing music helps me relax and express myself.
Part 2 and 3 Application
Use the idiom in these scenarios:
Describing challenges or failure
Talking about perseverance or giving up
Sharing personal experiences
Example
Question: What qualities do you think are important for success
Answer: I believe persistence is essential. Many people are talented, but they fail because they throw in the towel too soon. Success comes from pushing through difficulties instead of giving up.
7. Practice Exercises for “Throw in the Towel”
Exercise 1: Write a complete sentence using “throw in the towel” for each situation
An athlete retires after a serious injury
You advise a friend not to quit studying English
A startup considers closing after months of losses
You fail to fix your computer and take it to a repair shop
A student wants to drop a difficult course
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with “throw in the towel” or “give up”
After hours of trying to solve the puzzle, he decided to … and check the answer key
She wanted to … her dream of becoming a singer, but her family encouraged her
Despite all the setbacks, the startup refused to … and kept innovating
It is hard to … coffee once you have started drinking it regularly
He was so exhausted from the marathon that he almost … at mile 20
Answers
Exercise 1
After suffering a severe knee injury that required multiple surgeries, the professional athlete reluctantly threw in the towel and retired
Do not throw in the towel on your English studies just because of one bad result
After months of losses, the startup is considering throwing in the towel and closing its operations
I tried to fix my computer but eventually threw in the towel and brought it to the shop
The student is thinking about throwing in the towel on the course because it is too challenging
Exercise 2
give up
give up
throw in the towel
give up
throw in the towel
Master the Idiom “Throw in the Towel” for IELTS Success
Through this article, you have learned that “throw in the towel” is more than just an expression for giving up. It is a powerful idiom that, when used correctly, adds depth and fluency to your IELTS Speaking responses. Demonstrating control of idiomatic language can significantly boost your Lexical Resource score.
IDP offers high-quality IELTS preparation materials, including practice tests and idiom guides. If you are planning to take the IELTS, consider taking the computer-delivered IELTS test with results available within two working days.
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