throw in the towel

(verb) to admit that something is too difficult to finish

Example Sentences:

Carlos is going to throw in the towel and quit hairdressing school because it is too difficult.

A: Roger! I haven’t seen you in years! How are you!
B: Good Winnie!
A: Last time we met you were studying Engineering. Did you finish your degree?
B: No, I threw in the towel because it was too difficult.

If my best friend doesn’t call me this weekend, I’m throwing in the towel.

From the Blogs:

When to throw in the towel on your small business

Media:

Similar idioms:

1. throw up
2. throw cold water on
3. throw someone a curve
4. chin up
5. keep one’s chin up
6. throw something in
7. hang in there
8. bite off more than one can chew