Learning French: when and why do we say jeter l'éponge?
A phrase to use when acknowledging defeat
This French expression is similar to the English saying: to throw in the towel
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Je jette l'éponge…
Throwing sponges may lead you to think of car washes, or paying a pound to soak a teacher on school fun days.
The origins behind the expression can actually be traced back to the boxing ring, but we look at what it really means in figurative French.
Read also: Learning French: what does franchement mean and when should it be used?
What does jeter l'éponge mean?
This amusing saying literally translates as: to throw the sponge.
It is actually used to acknowledge that you are unable to finish a particular task or mission.
English equivalents include:
to admit defeat
to give up/in
to throw in the towel
Read also: Learning French: what are the origins of au fur et à mesure and what does it mean?
What are the origins of the phrase?
The original phrase stems from the English ‘to throw in the sponge,’ dating to the mid 1800s. This expression has since evolved to replace a sponge with a towel, however the French language stuck with the initial word-for-word translation.
The story behind this expression can otherwise be traced back to the boxing ring.
Traditionally, if a fighter is deemed unable to continue a match after being beaten and bruised, a member of their team can throw a sponge (or towel) into the middle of the ring to surrender on their behalf.
Today, the expression is used in a variety of situations linked to defeat or surrender, even outside of the sporting world.
Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say être bien dans ses baskets?
When do you say it?
Use this expression when you finally decide to abandon a mission:
To whom do you say jeter l'éponge?
It is an idiom that can be used in a range of formal or informal situations.
You may want to avoid using it in highly professional situations as it could be considered inappropriate.
More neutral alternatives include: abandonner, or renoncer.
If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com
