Call it quits 📞⏹️

Meaning

To decide to stop doing something, especially when it is difficult or unsuccessful.

Origin

The term 'quits' hails from the old game of quoits, a pastime where players threw heavy rings, aiming to land them around a spike called a hob. Winning a game meant putting your quoit 'on' or 'over' the hob. When you decided enough was enough, or you'd had a bad run of luck, you'd simply stop playing and declare yourself 'quits'. This transition from the gaming table to everyday life painted a vivid picture of deciding something was finished, done, and not worth continuing.

❌📉 failure ☠️ risk 🦁💪 courage 🗣️ communication 💪📈 work

Call it quits represented with emoji📞⏹️

This playful pairing functions as a whimsical prompt, challenging the viewer to consider the moment when a final decision is made. Note how the simple icons evoke a sense of closure, transforming abstract concepts into a tangible, albeit brief, narrative moment.

Examples

  • After hours of trying to fix the leaky faucet, we decided to call it quits and hire a plumber.
  • The team was so far behind in the game that the coach eventually told them to call it quits.
  • My attempt to teach my cat to play the ukulele was a disaster; I think it's time to call it quits.
  • We've been searching for the legendary Gummy Bear treasure for days, but the sugar rush is wearing off, so let's call it quits for today.

Frequently asked questions

What's the opposite of 'call it quits'?

The opposite of 'call it quits' is to persevere or carry on. While 'call it quits' signifies ending an endeavor, its antonyms suggest continuing despite challenges.

Is 'call it quits' a formal or informal phrase?

'Call it quits' is an informal idiom, generally used in casual conversation or writing. It's not typically suitable for highly formal contexts like academic papers or official legal documents.

Can 'call it quits' be used for something positive?

While often used for difficult or unsuccessful situations, 'call it quits' can also be used when a task is completed successfully, signifying a deliberate decision to stop there rather than continue unnecessarily.

Did 'call it quits' originate from boxing matches?

No, 'call it quits' originates from the game of quoits, not boxing. The phrase evolved from the act of declaring oneself 'quits' after a round of the ring-tossing game.

Similar to "call it quits"

Throw in the towel
Both signal surrender, but 'throw in the towel' carries a more explicit sense of defeat, like a boxer conceding the match, whereas 'call it quits' can feel more like a neutral decision to stop
Pack it in
Both mean to stop an activity, but 'pack it in' has a casual, almost British feel, often implying the activity wasn't that important anyway, while 'call it quits' sounds more definitive, especially if the endeavor was challenging
Hang up one's hat
Both phrases suggest ending a particular phase or activity, but 'hang up one's hat' often implies a more permanent retirement from something one has been doing for a long time, like a career, while 'call it quits' can be used for shorter, more immediate cessation

Opposite of "call it quits"

See it through
This phrase argues for unwavering commitment, directly opposing the surrender inherent in 'call it quits' by insisting on completion, no matter the difficulty, highlighting the virtue of perseverance
Keep plugging away
While 'call it quits' suggests stopping when things get tough, 'keep plugging away' champions the gritty determination to continue despite obstacles, making it a statement about resilience that stands in stark contrast

Related to "call it quits"

Cut one's losses
This phrase shares the idea of stopping something, but specifically focuses on minimizing further damage when an endeavor is clearly failing, making it a strategic decision related to the potential reasons for calling it quits
Throw in the sponge
A more archaic but vivid cousin to 'throw in the towel,' this phrase evokes a similar image of admitting defeat and ending a struggle, belonging in the same orbit of resignation
Throw in the chips
This phrase, borrowed from gambling, suggests deciding to stop betting or playing when the stakes are high or the situation is uncertain, sharing the thematic space of a decisive end to a risky venture
Admit defeat
This is the raw, unvarnished core of 'call it quits,' a direct acknowledgement of failure that lacks the idiomatic flair but captures the fundamental act of surrender