Top 44 Slang For Surrender – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to throwing in the towel or waving the white flag, knowing the right slang for surrender can make all the difference. Whether you’re a gamer, a sports enthusiast, or just looking to up your slang game, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we break down the coolest and most used terms for surrendering in various contexts. Get ready to level up your vocabulary and stay ahead of the curve!

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1. Throw in the towel

This phrase means to give up or surrender in a situation. It originated from boxing, where throwing a towel into the ring signaled the end of a match.

For example, “After struggling to complete the project, he finally decided to throw in the towel.”
In a game of poker, a player might say, “I had a terrible hand, so I threw in the towel.”
A coach might tell their team, “Don’t give up, we’re not throwing in the towel yet!”

2. Wave the white flag

This expression comes from the practice of using a white flag to signal surrender in war. It is used metaphorically to indicate giving up or admitting defeat.

For instance, “After hours of negotiation, they finally waved the white flag and agreed to the terms.”
In a heated argument, one person might say, “I surrender, you win.”
A team that is losing a game might jokingly say, “We might as well wave the white flag now.”

3. Call it quits

This phrase means to decide to stop or end something, often a task or relationship. It implies surrendering or giving up on the current situation.

For example, “After years of struggling, they finally decided to call it quits on their business.”
In a disagreement, one person might say, “Let’s just call it quits and agree to disagree.”
A person who is tired of a job might say, “I’ve had enough, I’m calling it quits.”

4. Lay down arms

This expression is often used in the context of war or conflict. It means to stop fighting and surrender or give up weapons.

For instance, “After years of battle, the two sides agreed to lay down their arms and seek peace.”
In a discussion about disarmament, someone might say, “Countries need to be willing to lay down their arms for true peace.”
A person advocating for non-violence might say, “We should all strive to lay down our arms and find peaceful solutions.”

5. Give up the ghost

This phrase means to give up, surrender, or quit. It can also refer to someone or something dying or ceasing to function.

For example, “After numerous failed attempts, he finally gave up the ghost and admitted defeat.”
In a challenging situation, one might say, “I’m ready to give up the ghost and move on.”
A person dealing with a broken appliance might say, “My toaster finally gave up the ghost, time for a new one.”

6. Capitulate

To surrender or yield to an opponent or authority. “Capitulate” is often used in a formal or official context.

For example, in a negotiation, one party might say, “We refuse to capitulate to these unfair demands.”
In a military context, a commander might order, “Capitulate and surrender your weapons.”
A person discussing a failed business venture might admit, “In the end, we had no choice but to capitulate and close the company.”

7. Concede

To acknowledge that one has been defeated or outmatched and give up. “Concede” is a more general term that can be used in various contexts.

For instance, in a sports match, a player might say, “I have to concede that my opponent played better.”
In a debate, one person might say, “I concede that you have a valid point.”
A politician might reluctantly concede an election by saying, “I congratulate my opponent and concede the race.”

8. Cede

To give up or surrender control or ownership of something, often to another person or entity. “Cede” implies a voluntary transfer of power or authority.

For example, in a territorial dispute, one country might cede land to another through a treaty.
In a business partnership, one partner might cede their share of ownership to the other.
A person might say, “I cede control of this project to you. It’s in your hands now.”

9. Yield

To give in or give way to someone or something. “Yield” can refer to surrendering physically, emotionally, or intellectually.

For instance, in traffic, a driver must yield to oncoming vehicles when making a turn.
In a conflict, one person might yield to the other’s demands to avoid further escalation.
A person might say, “I yield to your expertise. You clearly know more about this topic than I do.”

10. Raise the white flag

To symbolically surrender by waving or displaying a white flag, indicating a complete and unconditional surrender. This phrase is often used metaphorically.

For example, in a competition, one team might raise the white flag to signal their defeat.
In a conflict, a person might say, “It’s time to raise the white flag and end this dispute.”
A person admitting defeat in an argument might say, “I give up. I’m raising the white flag on this one.”

11. Give in

To surrender or yield to someone or something. It means to accept that you cannot win or overcome a situation.

For example, in an argument, one might say, “Fine, I give in. You were right.”
In a game, a player might say, “I give in, you’ve beaten me fair and square.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “We can’t keep fighting, it’s time to give in and find a compromise.”

12. Submit

To give in to someone or something. It means to accept authority or control and agree to do or follow what is requested or demanded.

For instance, a person might submit to a higher power and say, “I submit to your will.”
In a competition, a participant might submit to their opponent and say, “I submit, you’ve proven to be the better player.”
In a submission-based sport like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a person might tap out and submit to their opponent’s hold.

13. Conquer

To achieve victory over someone or something. It means to successfully overcome or defeat an opponent or obstacle.

For example, in a battle, one side might conquer the other and say, “We have conquered our enemies.”
In a video game, a player might conquer a difficult level and say, “I finally conquered that boss.”
In personal development, someone might conquer their fear of public speaking and say, “I have conquered my stage fright.”

14. Fold

To abandon a position or course of action. It means to give up or surrender, often in a card game or a situation where continuing would be futile.

For instance, in poker, a player might fold their hand and say, “I fold, I don’t think I can win.”
In a debate, someone might fold their argument and say, “I fold, you’ve presented a compelling case.”
In a relationship, a person might fold and give up on trying to make it work, saying, “I fold, we’re just not compatible.”

15. Retire from the field

To withdraw or retreat from a situation or conflict. It means to remove oneself from active participation or engagement.

For example, in a sports match, a player might retire from the field and say, “I’ve had enough, I’m retiring.”
In a debate, someone might retire from the field and say, “I can’t continue arguing, I’m too exhausted.”
In a war, a general might order their troops to retire from the field and regroup.

16. Admit to being beaten

This phrase is used when someone acknowledges that they have been defeated or outmatched in a competition or conflict.

For example, after losing a game, someone might say, “I have to admit, you beat me fair and square.”
In a debate, a person might concede defeat by saying, “I can’t argue with the evidence you presented. I admit that you’ve won.”
In a physical fight, one person might admit to being beaten by saying, “Okay, okay, you win. I can’t take any more punches.”

17. Concede defeat

To admit that you have been defeated or are unable to achieve victory in a competition or conflict.

For instance, in a sports match, a team might concede defeat if they are significantly behind in points and unable to catch up.
In a political race, a candidate might concede defeat after it becomes clear that they will not win the election.
In an argument, one person might concede defeat by saying, “You’ve made some valid points. I have to concede that you’re right.”

18. Cry uncle

This phrase is often used in a playful or lighthearted context to indicate surrender or submission.

For example, during a friendly wrestling match, one person might say, “Okay, okay, I give up! Uncle!”
In a game of tag, a person might cry uncle when they are tired of being chased and want to take a break.
In a joking argument, someone might say, “Fine, fine, you win. I cry uncle!”

19. Hoist the white flag

This phrase refers to the act of raising a white flag as a symbol of surrender or truce.

For instance, in a war, a defeated army might hoist the white flag to signal their surrender and willingness to negotiate.
In a conflict between friends, one person might jokingly say, “I give up! I’m hoisting the white flag.”
In a heated debate, someone might use this phrase metaphorically by saying, “I surrender. I can’t argue with your logic anymore.”

20. Surrender

To give up or yield to someone or something, often in a situation where resistance or opposition is futile or undesirable.

For example, a person might surrender to the police after committing a crime and realizing they cannot escape justice.
In a game, a player might surrender when they are losing by a large margin and see no chance of winning.
In a negotiation, one party might surrender certain demands in order to reach a compromise.

21. Quit

To stop doing or participating in something, typically due to a lack of success or motivation.

For example, “I quit my job because I was unhappy with the working conditions.”
In a game, a player might say, “I quit, this level is too difficult.”
Someone might say, “I quit smoking last year and haven’t looked back since.”

22. Resign

To voluntarily leave a position or job, typically due to dissatisfaction or a desire for change.

For instance, “The CEO decided to resign after the company faced a major scandal.”
In politics, a politician might say, “I have decided to resign from my position as senator.”
A person might say, “I resigned from my volunteer position because I wanted to focus on other commitments.”

23. Relinquish

To voluntarily give up or surrender something, often a position, power, or possession.

For example, “The king was forced to relinquish his throne.”
In a divorce, one partner might say, “I am willing to relinquish my claim to the house.”
A parent might say, “I reluctantly relinquished my child’s pet due to allergies.”

24. Abandon

To desert or forsake someone or something, often without intention to return or provide support.

For instance, “The sailors were forced to abandon ship during the storm.”
In a relationship, one person might say, “I can’t believe you abandoned me when I needed you most.”
A person might say, “I had to abandon my plans to travel due to unforeseen circumstances.”

25. Renounce

To formally reject, give up, or disown something, often a belief, claim, or association.

For example, “The politician renounced his party affiliation and became an independent.”
In a religious context, a person might say, “I have decided to renounce my faith and explore other spiritual paths.”
A person might say, “I renounce all ties to my former life and embrace a new beginning.”

26. Forfeit

To surrender or lose something willingly as a penalty or consequence.

For example, “The team had to forfeit the game due to a violation of the rules.”
In a legal context, one might say, “If you don’t pay your fines, you may have to forfeit your property.”
A person discussing a bet might say, “I had to forfeit my winnings because I didn’t meet the deadline.”

27. Give way

To surrender or make space for something or someone else.

For instance, “The driver had to give way to the ambulance with its sirens blaring.”
In a crowded room, one might say, “Please give way and let others pass through.”
A person discussing an argument might say, “Sometimes it’s better to give way and avoid unnecessary conflict.”

28. Bow to

To surrender or yield to someone’s authority or demands.

For example, “The defeated general had to bow to the victor’s terms of surrender.”
In a discussion about compromise, one might say, “Sometimes you have to bow to the wishes of others.”
A person discussing a power dynamic might say, “He refused to bow to anyone and always stood his ground.”

29. Succumb

To surrender or yield to something, often against one’s will or better judgment.

For instance, “She succumbed to peer pressure and started smoking.”
In a discussion about temptation, one might say, “It’s hard not to succumb to the allure of chocolate.”
A person discussing a difficult decision might say, “In the end, I had to succumb to the practicality of the situation.”

30. Lay down one’s arms

To willingly give up or surrender one’s weapons as a sign of surrender.

For example, “The defeated army was forced to lay down their arms.”
In a historical context, one might say, “After years of fighting, both sides agreed to lay down their arms and seek peace.”
A person discussing a conflict resolution might say, “Sometimes, the first step towards reconciliation is for both parties to lay down their arms.”

31. Raise a white flag

This phrase originates from the practice of raising a white flag as a signal of surrender in warfare. It is used metaphorically to mean admitting defeat or giving up.

For example, “After hours of negotiation, the company finally raised a white flag and agreed to the union’s demands.”
In a sports context, a team might raise a white flag when they realize they cannot win the game.
A person might use this phrase to describe giving up on a difficult task, saying, “I tried my best, but I had to raise a white flag and admit that it was beyond my abilities.”

32. Throw in the sponge

This phrase is a variation of the more commonly known expression “throw in the towel.” It means to give up or surrender.

For instance, “After several failed attempts, he decided to throw in the sponge and try a different approach.”
In a competitive situation, a person might throw in the sponge when they realize they cannot win.
Someone might use this phrase to describe giving up on a difficult project, saying, “I’ve been working on this for months, but I think it’s time to throw in the sponge.”

33. Cry quits

This phrase means to declare surrender or admit defeat.

For example, “After a long and exhausting battle, the general cried quits and ordered his troops to lay down their weapons.”
In a game or competition, a person might cry quits when they realize they cannot win.
Someone might use this phrase to describe giving up on an argument or disagreement, saying, “We couldn’t agree on anything, so we finally cried quits and decided to end the discussion.”

34. Pack up

This phrase means to give up or surrender.

For instance, “After years of struggling, he finally decided to pack up and move back home.”
In a difficult situation, a person might pack up and leave when they feel overwhelmed.
Someone might use this phrase to describe quitting a job or ending a relationship, saying, “I couldn’t handle the stress anymore, so I packed up and walked away.”

35. Give oneself up

This phrase means to surrender or submit to someone or something.

For example, “After being on the run for weeks, the fugitive finally gave himself up to the authorities.”
In a dangerous situation, a person might give themselves up to ensure their safety.
Someone might use this phrase to describe admitting fault or taking responsibility for their actions, saying, “I made a mistake, and I’m willing to give myself up and face the consequences.”

36. Hand over

This phrase means to give up or surrender something to someone else, usually under pressure or as a result of a conflict or confrontation.

For example, “The suspect was forced to hand over his weapon to the police.”
In a negotiation, one party might say, “If you want the deal to go through, you’ll have to hand over more control.”
A parent might ask their child to “hand over” their phone as a punishment for misbehavior.

37. Bow to the inevitable

This phrase means to accept that something is unavoidable or inevitable, often in the context of surrendering to a situation or outcome that cannot be changed.

For instance, “After months of resistance, the company finally bowed to the inevitable and filed for bankruptcy.”
In a game or competition, a player might say, “I had to bow to the inevitable and admit that my opponent was better.”
A person facing a difficult decision might say, “I finally bowed to the inevitable and accepted the job offer.”

38. Lay down one’s weapons

This phrase means to voluntarily give up or abandon one’s weapons, often as a sign of surrender or as a gesture of peace.

For example, “The general ordered his troops to lay down their weapons and surrender.”
In a conflict resolution scenario, one party might say, “If we want to find a peaceful solution, we need to lay down our weapons.”
A person advocating for peace might say, “It’s time for both sides to lay down their weapons and work towards reconciliation.”

39. Give oneself over

This phrase means to surrender or yield to someone or something, often by giving up control or authority.

For instance, “She gave herself over to the police and confessed to the crime.”
In a relationship, one partner might say, “I had to give myself over to love and trust my partner.”
A person struggling with addiction might say, “I finally gave myself over to the recovery process and sought help.”

40. Throw up the sponge

This phrase means to surrender or give up, often in the face of a difficult or unwinnable situation.

For example, “After hours of trying to solve the puzzle, she threw up the sponge and admitted defeat.”
In a sports competition, a player might say, “We were so far behind that we had to throw up the sponge and accept that we couldn’t win.”
A person facing a challenging task might say, “I’m ready to throw up the sponge and ask for help.”

41. Give oneself over to

This phrase means to surrender or yield to someone or something. It implies willingly giving up control or power.

For example, “He decided to give himself over to the authorities rather than face a lengthy trial.”
In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to give yourself over to the process and trust that things will work out.”
A person describing a difficult decision might say, “I had to give myself over to the idea that I couldn’t do it all on my own.”

42. Give oneself up to

This phrase means to surrender or give in to a situation or demand. It suggests accepting defeat or acknowledging the superiority of someone or something.

For instance, “After hours of negotiation, they finally gave themselves up to the enemy.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to give yourself up to love and let go of control.”
A person discussing addiction recovery might say, “I had to give myself up to the program and admit that I needed help.”

43. Give oneself over into the hands of

This phrase means to surrender or hand over control or responsibility to someone else. It implies trusting another person or entity with decision-making or protection.

For example, “In times of crisis, it’s important to give yourself over into the hands of professionals.”
In a discussion about delegating tasks, someone might say, “It’s hard for me to give myself over into the hands of others, but I know it’s necessary for the team.”
A person describing a spiritual experience might say, “I felt a sense of peace when I gave myself over into the hands of a higher power.”

44. Give oneself up into the hands of

This phrase means to yield or give up control or power to someone else. It suggests accepting defeat or acknowledging the authority of another.

For instance, “The suspect gave himself up into the hands of the police after a long standoff.”
In a conversation about personal growth, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to surrender and give yourself up into the hands of the universe.”
A person discussing a difficult decision might say, “I had to surrender and give myself up into the hands of fate.”