CRYING UNCLE Meaning and
Definition
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Crying uncle is an idiomatic expression that derives from a children's game where one child applies pressure or inflicts pain on another, typically a sibling or a friend, until the recipient can no longer endure it and requests to stop by saying "uncle." The phrase is primarily used in informal contexts to convey surrender or submission after exerting considerable effort or resistance.
Figuratively, crying uncle refers to yielding or giving up in a situation due to overwhelming pressure, defeat, or frustration. It indicates a recognition that one's efforts have been in vain or that further resistance is futile. The phrase is often employed to depict someone admitting defeat or recognizing the superiority of an opponent, whether it be in a physical confrontation, an argument, or a competitive event.
The expression can also imply a sense of humility or acceptance of one's limitations. It suggests that an individual has reached their breaking point, acknowledging that they are unable to continue or overcome a particular challenge. Crying uncle is generally understood as an act of concession, whereby an individual recognizes the need to cease their resistance and accept the prevailing circumstances.
In summary, crying uncle is a colloquial phrase denoting the act of surrendering or admitting defeat. It carries implications of relenting under pressure, acknowledging the superiority of another party, or recognizing personal limitations.
Common Misspellings for CRYING UNCLE
- xrying uncle
- vrying uncle
- frying uncle
- drying uncle
- ceying uncle
- cdying uncle
- cfying uncle
- ctying uncle
- c5ying uncle
- c4ying uncle
- crting uncle
- crging uncle
- crhing uncle
- cruing uncle
- cr7ing uncle
- cr6ing uncle
- cryung uncle
- cryjng uncle
- crykng uncle
- cryong uncle
Etymology of CRYING UNCLE
The expression "crying uncle" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe surrendering or admitting defeat. It is believed to be of North American origin, particularly from the United States. The exact etymology of the phrase is unclear and has several suggested origins:
1. Children's play: One theory suggests that the phrase originated from children's games, where a person would say "uncle" to signal that they give up or cannot endure further. The exact reason for using the word "uncle" is uncertain, but it is presumed to have derived from situations where children would play-fight and one participant would submit by calling out for their "uncle" or an authority figure to intervene and stop the game.
2. Wrestling submissions: Another theory links the phrase to wrestling or physical contests. In some forms of wrestling, when a participant is caught in a hold or immobilized, they may concede defeat by declaring "uncle".
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