Boxing is an edge-of-your-seat-exciting sport to watch, and some evocative turns of phrase have been pulled right from the ring. “Saved by the bell” is a last-minute reprieve, and “down for the count” is a creative way to depict hitting rock bottom. But do these phrases pack the same punch as “throwing in the towel”? The versatility of this phrase — a gesture that means “I’m done” or “I surrender” — has ensured its popularity for over a century.
Like many metaphors, “throwing in the towel” started out in a literal sense, though the action isn’t as standard in boxing today. To avoid a severe pummeling, a boxer’s coach can throw an actual towel into the ring, signaling to the referee their intention to forfeit. Per Olympic boxing rules, this action results in “abandonment,” and the opponent is victorious. But how did the phrase rise to such power in the general public?
Modern boxing rose in popularity during the mid-19th century, and with it, so did boxing slang. Around this time, “throwing in the towel” took on a more figurative meaning. One of the earliest recordings comes from a 1915 publication: “He was down to his last six shillings, and felt like throwing in the towel.”
Today, we use the phrase not only in sports but in any situation where someone is giving up. Say you read this on a music blog: “After a lackluster arena tour, the artist threw in the towel on his music career.” You can sense an air of defeat from that musician. The power of the phrase lies in its vivid imagery. In our mind’s eye, we can imagine someone throwing a towel in earnest, the same way we can picture flying a white flag in retreat.
It’s not just about lazily giving up — throwing a towel into the ring feels like a bold, final decision. Whether said sarcastically or seriously, it paints a lasting image that resonates with us all.
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