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" Say 'uncle'! " is a chiefly North American expression demanding that the opponent in a contest submit. The response " Uncle! " is equivalent to "I give up!" or similar sentiment, and indicates submission. Definition. In the United States and Canada, the idiomatic expression "Say 'uncle'!"
The idiom “say uncle” is no exception. While its meaning is fairly straightforward – to give up or surrender – the ways in which it can be used and modified are varied. One common variation of this idiom is “cry uncle.”. This version emphasizes the idea of admitting defeat with an emotional outburst, rather than simply acknowledging it.
Apr 18, 2024 · The body of U.S. President Joe Biden's uncle, 2nd Lt. Ambrose J. Finnegan Jr., was never found during or following World War II because cannibals ate it. Rating: False. About this...
Nov 28, 1998 · This call by one child for another to submit or cry for mercy — which appears variously as say uncle!, cry uncle! or holler uncle! — is first recorded in print in the US early in the twentieth century. The Oxford English Dictionary ’s first example is from 1918, but I’ve found an instance in an advertisement in the Modesto News of ...
Jun 30, 2023 · In short: "Say uncle" is an American idiom signifying submission or surrender, commonly used in children's games. What Does "Say Uncle" Mean? The term "say uncle" is synonymous with admitting defeat. It's a way of saying, "I give up," or "You win."
Aug 1, 2014 · Why do we say “uncle” when admitting defeat? The only facts we know for sure are that it’s strictly a North American phrase, and that it first appeared in written English in 1918. After that,...
Idioms. Say uncle meaning. What does the saying 'Say uncle' mean? Idiom: Say uncle. Meaning: If you say uncle, you admit defeat. ('Cry uncle' is an alternative form.) Country: American English | Subject Area: Men & women | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
