Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Throw in the towel

To admit defeat or failure

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "throw in the towel" is to admit defeat or failure.

This idiom comes from boxing, where a boxer's cornerman throws in a towel to signal that the boxer is giving up. It is used figuratively to describe someone who gives up on a task or challenge. For example, you might say "I'm going to throw in the towel. I can't do this anymore." This means that you are giving up on something because you no longer believe that you can succeed.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• To take a shower: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to take a bath."
• To decide firmly: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to make up your mind."
• To provoke someone: This is more accurately described by the idiom "to rile someone up."