cry uncle{v. phr.}, {informal} To say that you surrender; admit that you have lost; admit a defeat; give up.
Bob fought for five minutes, but he had to say uncle.
The bully twisted Jerry's arm and said, "Cry uncle."/
The other team was beating us, but we wouldn't say uncle.
Compare: GIVE IN.
See: SAY UNCLE. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲