Idiom
call it quits
Meanings
To stop trying or stop doing something because you think it is time to end the effort.
To end a relationship or partnership and agree to separate.
Definition
To stop doing something or end an effort because continuing is no longer worthwhile.
To call it quits means to decide to stop an activity, attempt, or relationship. People use it when they feel they have tried enough or continuing would be unhelpful. It often suggests a final decision to end what is happening.
Examples
- After three hours of debugging, we decided to call it quits for the night.
- If the pain gets worse, call it quits and rest.
- They tried counseling, but eventually they called it quits.
- We were losing badly, so the coach told us to call it quits and regroup.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "call quits" without "it"; the natural form is "call it quits."
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.