cry/say uncle
cry uncle
To admit defeat or plead for mercy, especially in an informal physical contest of some kind. The brothers often play fought, but it was invariably the younger of the two who had to cry uncle by the end.
See also: cry, uncle
say uncle
To admit defeat or plead for mercy, especially in an informal physical contest of some kind. Can also be used as an imperative phrase to demand that someone give up or admit defeat. The brothers often play fought, but it was invariably the younger of the two who had to say uncle by the end. Say "uncle," and I'll let you out of this headlock!
See also: say, uncle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
cry uncle
Also, say uncle. Concede defeat, as in The Serbs want the Bosnians to cry uncle, or If you say uncle right now, I'll let you go first in the next game. This phrase originated about 1900 as an imperative among school-children who would say, "Cry uncle when you've had enough (of a beating)." By the mid-1900s it was being used figuratively, as in the examples.
See also: cry, uncle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
cry (or say or yell) uncle
surrender or admit defeat. North American informal 1989 Guy Vanderhaeghe Homesick Beat him six ways to Sunday and he still would never cry uncle or allow that there was an outside chance of his ever being wrong.
See also: cry, uncle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
cry/say ˈuncle
(American English) admit that you have been beaten or defeated: They’re determined to make the President cry uncle in the budget debate.Originally, this comes from children’s games in which the child has to say the word ‘uncle’ to admit defeat.See also: cry, say, uncle
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
say uncle
tv. to admit defeat; to give up. I never say uncle. I just keep right on going.
See also: say, uncle
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- cry uncle
- holler uncle
- say uncle
- say uncle, to
- place (oneself) at (someone's) mercy
- throw (oneself) on/at (someone's) mercy
- throw (oneself) on/at the mercy of (someone)
- throw (oneself) upon the mercy of (someone)
- throw oneself at the mercy of some authority
- throw yourself on somebody's mercy