say uncle

English

Etymology

Unknown. Uncle may be an anglicization of Irish anacal (“protection”).

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

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Verb

say uncle (third-person singular simple present says uncle, present participle saying uncle, simple past and past participle said uncle)

1. (US, idiomatic) To admit defeat; indicate submission, such as when wrestling; to ask for mercy.

Synonyms

• cry uncle