say uncle

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

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