Signification
to quit
Contexte culturel
In Swedish work culture, 'att kasta i handduken' is often seen as a sign of burnout (utbrändhet). There is a growing conversation about knowing when to quit for mental health reasons. Swedish sports commentators use this phrase constantly. If a cross-country skier falls too far behind, they might 'kasta i handduken' to save energy for the next race. Sweden has a high rate of startups. 'Kasta i handduken' is a common way to describe a 'fail fast' mentality where entrepreneurs move on to new ideas. Swedish universities have a 'tentaperiod' (exam period). Students often use this phrase when a specific exam (tenta) feels impossible.
Use 'in' for extra points
While 'i' is correct, using 'kasta in handduken' will make you sound even more like a native speaker in 2024.
Don't use for people
You don't 'kasta i handduken' at a person. It's about a task or a situation.
Signification
to quit
Use 'in' for extra points
While 'i' is correct, using 'kasta in handduken' will make you sound even more like a native speaker in 2024.
Don't use for people
You don't 'kasta i handduken' at a person. It's about a task or a situation.
Business context
In a job interview, don't say you 'kastade i handduken' at your last job unless you want to sound like you failed. Say you 'gick vidare till nya utmaningar'.
Teste-toi
Fyll i det saknade ordet i idiomet.
Efter tio timmars arbete valde han att kasta i _______.
Idiomet är 'kasta i handduken'.
Vilken mening använder idiomet korrekt?
Välj rätt alternativ:
Idiomet används för att beskriva att man ger upp permanent, som vid en konkurs.
Slutför dialogen med rätt form av idiomet.
A: Ska du fortsätta försöka laga bilen? B: Nej, det är hopplöst. Jag ________________.
Presens (kastar) passar bäst här när personen bestämmer sig i stunden.
Matcha situationen med rätt känsla.
När någon 'kastar i handduken', hur känner de sig oftast?
Att kasta i handduken innebär att man inte orkar kämpa längre.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEfter tio timmars arbete valde han att kasta i _______.
Idiomet är 'kasta i handduken'.
Välj rätt alternativ:
Idiomet används för att beskriva att man ger upp permanent, som vid en konkurs.
A: Ska du fortsätta försöka laga bilen? B: Nej, det är hopplöst. Jag ________________.
Presens (kastar) passar bäst här när personen bestämmer sig i stunden.
När någon 'kastar i handduken', hur känner de sig oftast?
Att kasta i handduken innebär att man inte orkar kämpa längre.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsBoth are used, but 'in' is more common in modern Swedish. 'I' is slightly more traditional.
Yes, but it sounds a bit dramatic. 'Jag kastar i handduken med det här korsordet' is fine and slightly funny.
No, it's not rude, but it is informal. It's a neutral way to admit defeat.
The opposite would be 'att bita ihop' (to bite together/persevere) or 'att kämpa på'.
Native speakers will understand you, but it sounds like you're missing a word. Always include 'i' or 'in'.
No, it's 99% figurative. You don't need a towel to use the phrase.
Only if you have a very close relationship with the person. Otherwise, use 'avbryta'.
Yes, it's very common in sports to describe a team that has given up.
Use 'kastade i handduken'. Example: 'Igår kastade jag i handduken.'
Yes, but 'kasta i handduken' is more idiomatic and visual.
It's better to avoid it in very formal academic writing. Use 'kapitulera' instead.
Yes, it is a standard idiom used from Malmö to Kiruna.
In French you would! In Swedish, we only throw towels.
Yes, it's a common way to say you've given up on trying to make a relationship work.
Expressions liées
ge upp
synonymto give up
ge slaget förlorat
similarto concede the battle
lägga ner
similarto shut down / stop
kasta in handduken
specialized formto throw in the towel
hålla ut
contrastto endure / hold out
