What’s the meaning of “Gettare la spugna”?

In this short lesson, we will learn the meaning of the Italian idiom Gettare la spugna along with its pronunciation. If you give up easily, this expression is for you!

Let’s get started! Iniziamo!

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Gettare la spugna

Meaning of the idiom

Gettare la spugna can be literally translated as “to toss the sponge”. Its meaning is the same as the English expression to throw in the towel, so it’s used to talk about someone who gives up and admits defeat.

Linguistically speaking, it can be broken down into…

• gettare (to toss, to throw)
• la (feminine definite article)
• spugna (sponge)

For example, you could say…

Il meccanico gettò la spugna e portò l’auto a rottamare.
The mechanic threw in the towel and scrapped the car.

Luca non è il tipo da gettare la spugna. Non si arrende mai.
Luca is not the type to throw in the towel. He never gives up.

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Pronunciation of Gettare la spugna in Italian

Now let’s hear how this idiom is pronounced.

If you need help with Italian pronunciation, check out the lesson on the Italian alphabet and pronunciation.

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Where does Gettare la spugna come from?

This idiom shares its origin with its English counterpart.

During a boxing match, it’s customary for the trainer of a losing boxer to throw a towel (asciugamano) into the ring to concede defeat and prevent further injury. In the past, the towel was a sponge.

And that’s the end of our lesson on the Italian idiom Gettare la spugna!

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What next?

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