Английский словарь американских идиом - throw in the sponge

or throw up the sponge or throw in the towel {v. phr.}, {informal} To admit defeat; accept loss. * /After taking a beating for five rounds, the fighter's seconds threw in the sponge./ * /When Harold saw his arguments were not being accepted, he threw in the towel and left./ Syn.: GIVE UP.