Call it Quits, To 🛑
Definition: To stop doing something, either permanently or temporarily. “Quits” here implies acquittal or discharge, meaning release from obligation. It’s a fancy way of saying, “I’ve done enough; I’m done here.”
Origins: The expression is American in origin and was notably captured in a letter from Jack London in 1898: “Tomorrow I would cut my throat and call quits with the whole cursed business.” (Dramatic much, Jack?)
Related and Similar Terms
- Throw in the towel 🥊: From boxing, when a coach throws a towel into the ring to signal surrender.
- Hang up one’s boots 🥾: Common in sports, indicating retirement.
- Capital Q Quit 🚪💨: A modern take for dramatic effect.
- Take a rain check ☔: Means to decline now but maybe do it later.
- Hit the brakes 🛑: To suddenly stop an activity or event.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Proverbs
Synonyms:
- Cease
- Stop
- Discontinue
- Halt
- Abandon
Antonyms:
- Persist
- Continue
- Endure
- Persevere
- Resume
Proverbs:
- “All good things must come to an end.” — Universal wisdom on finality.
- “Enough is enough.” — For when you’ve reached your limit.
- “When one door closes, another opens.” — Hinting ‘quitting’ often leads to new opportunities.
Humor-Filled Quotes 🤣
- “I could call it quits, but who else would entertain these cats?” — Anonymous Pet Owner.
- “I’ve called it quits more times than a referee with a broken whistle!” — Stand-up Comedian.
- “Quitting is not giving up; it’s choosing the path where you shine brighter.” — Motivational Speaker after calling it quits.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies 📚🎬🎶
Literature:
- The Call of the Wild by Jack London: Journey of survival where sometimes, even wild instincts take a break.
- Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss: Ironically challenges quitting bad grammatical habits.
Books:
- Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker: A radical take on quitting drinking that’s both empowering and enlightening.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear: Discusses quitting bad habits and adopting good ones with actionable steps.
Songs:
- “Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” by Backstreet Boys — For when you’ve had enough of emotional rollercoasters.
- “Break Even” by The Script — Most say heartwrenching goodbyes resonate deeply.
Poetry:
- “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost — Sometimes you need to just pause and admire the woods.
Movies:
- Finding Nemo — When Marlin just considers quitting his overprotective mission.
- Julie & Julia — Where more than few dishes were considered quit-worthy.
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Call it quits
- [ ] Cycling in the playground of chaos
- [ ] Hugging the shadow of doom
- [ ] Juggling spaghetti on a trampoline
> **Explanation:** "Call it quits" is the genuine idiom here, meaning to stop doing something. The others, amusing as they sound, are pure nonsense!
### True or False: 'Call it quits' is used to indicate continuing an effort.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! "Call it quits" means stopping an activity or effort, not continuing it.
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [x] Throw in the towel
- [ ] Mixing the sugar with turbulence
- [ ] Whispering to the loud echo
- [ ] Doodling with invisible ink
> **Explanation:** "Throw in the towel" is an idiom used to signify surrender or giving up, straight from the boxing ring to everyday speech. Others? Creative but nonsensical!
Farewell from Ella Expressionista
Remember, sometimes knowing when to call it quits is the bravest decision you can make. Embrace change, laughter, and remember, every ending is a new beginning!
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
