cry uncle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry uncle" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when someone gives up or admits defeat, often after a struggle or challenge. Example: After hours of negotiation, he finally decided to cry uncle and accept the terms. Alternative expressions include "give in" and "throw in the towel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cry uncle!

The New Yorker

But first… Cry uncle!

The New Yorker

"Maybe it's time to cry uncle.

The New Yorker

At any rate, we cry uncle.

The New York Times

Still, we are not quite ready to cry uncle.

The New York Times

"I knew he would not cry uncle," Taylor said.

The New York Times - Sports

The New Yorker, April 24 , 1995P. 44 Cry uncle!

The New Yorker

Yet Schandorff was not quite ready to cry uncle.

The New York Times

At some point, even affluent parents will start to cry uncle, right?

The New York Times

"If you brought me over here to cry uncle, shame on you, Barack Obama.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The interviewer cries uncle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry uncle" to convey a sense of desperation or submission in situations where someone is being pushed to their limit. It adds a colorful, idiomatic touch to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cry uncle" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more direct or neutral expression of conceding defeat would be more appropriate. It is best suited for informal to neutral settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry uncle" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to express the act of surrendering or admitting defeat, often in response to pressure or a difficult situation. The examples provided by Ludwig show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cry uncle" is an idiomatic phrase used to express surrender or admission of defeat. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, consider using it to convey a sense of desperation or submission, while avoiding it in highly formal settings where a more direct expression would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "admit defeat" or "give up" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this expression in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beg for mercy

Directly requests leniency or cessation of punishment from an opponent.

admit defeat

Focuses on the acknowledgment of losing, rather than explicitly asking for cessation of pressure.

say enough

Indicates reaching a limit or tolerance point, often implying a desire to stop.

give up

A general term for ceasing effort, less specific than asking for mercy.

throw in the towel

An informal idiom indicating abandonment of a struggle or competition.

back down

Refers to withdrawing from a position or argument, often to avoid conflict.

surrender

Implies a more formal cessation of resistance, often in a conflict or negotiation.

wave the white flag

A symbolic gesture of surrender, indicating a desire to negotiate or end hostilities.

yield

A formal term for giving way to pressure or demands.

capitulate

Suggests a complete and often unwilling submission to demands.

FAQs

How can I use "cry uncle" in a sentence?

You can use "cry uncle" to describe someone giving up or admitting defeat, often under pressure. For example, "After hours of arguing, he finally had to "cry uncle" and agree to their terms."

What does it mean to "cry uncle"?

To "cry uncle" means to give up, surrender, or admit defeat, typically to stop someone from doing something unpleasant or painful. It's an idiomatic expression that implies a plea for mercy or an end to a difficult situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "cry uncle"?

Alternatives include "admit defeat", "give up", "surrender", "throw in the towel", or "beg for mercy", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Where does the expression "cry uncle" come from?

The exact origin of the expression "cry uncle" is debated, but it's believed to have originated as a children's game or wrestling term, where saying "uncle" would signal submission or a request to stop. It's become a widely recognized idiom for admitting defeat.