call it quits

1. Stop working, abandon something, give up, as in John is calling it quits for now or This ground is far too stony for a garden so I'm calling it quits. This idiom comes from cry quits, dating from the 1600s and meaning “declare even” or “get even.” The verb call was substituted in the late 1800s. Also see call it a day.

Example Sentences

Perhaps it was a jinx, but a little more than eight months later, the Gallagher brothers would call it quits on August 22, 2009, at the V Festival in Weston Park, England.

From Los Angeles Times

At a time when most of their peers have retired, threatened to call it quits or died, the Beach Boys continue to perform 120 shows per year.

From Los Angeles Times

The pair of reality TV stars who kindled a romance last year on “Love Island” Season 6 have called it quits, The Times confirmed Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

The former X Factor contestant was only six songs into his set at the OVO Hydro venue when he had to call it quits, leaving fans disappointed.

From BBC

Ortega wanted to remain on the show but knew it was best for her to call it quits.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abandon 
• break off 
• cease 
• conclude 
• discontinue 
• drop 
• give up 
• halt 
• leave 
• retire 
• suspend 
• terminate 
• withdraw