Throwing in the Towel

"I tried everything—reading, asking for help, even watching tutorials online—but nothing worked. Finally, I had to throw in the towel. Some things just aren’t meant to be, I guess. My friend patted me on the back and said, ‘Hey, at least you tried!’ Maybe I’ll give it another shot someday."

Question: What does "throwing in the towel" mean in this story?

PIE PROMPTS

1. Pronunciation

• Listen to the audio and repeat or use it as a guide while you read. Focus on “throwing in the towel” and practice its rhythm.

2. Intonation

• Sentence: “Finally, I had to throw in the towel.”

• Intonation variations:

• “Finally, I had to throw in the towel.” (Stressing I emphasizes personal struggle.)

• “Finally, I had to throw in the towel.” (Stressing throw highlights the act of giving up.)

• “Finally, I had to throw in the towel.” (Stressing towel emphasizes the finality of quitting.)

3. Expression

• Idiom: Throwing in the towel means giving up or admitting defeat.

• Use this idiom: When you stop trying after repeated efforts.