Cave in

Meaning

The idiom "cave in" means to give in or yield to pressure, especially when the individual or group is reluctant to do so. It can also mean to accept something without question or resistance.

Usage

• After hours of negotiation, the company finally caved in and agreed to the employee's demands for a higher salary.
• Despite her initial hesitation, Sarah eventually caved in to her friend's suggestion to try sushi.
• The government may have to cave in to the protests of the citizens if they continue to demand better healthcare services.
• When faced with the threat of a lawsuit, the company caved in and changed its policies on data privacy.
• After much discussion, the group finally caved in to the suggestion of having a potluck dinner. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in both positive and negative connotations. In some cases, "caving in" may indicate a weakness or lack of conviction, while in others, it may suggest flexibility or compromise.

Roots and History

The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of mining for coal, where workers would sometimes have to cave in the rock wall to access the coal seams. Another theory suggests that it may come from the idea of a cave-in occurring when underground mines collapse. Over time, the meaning and usage of "cave in" have evolved slightly. It is now used more broadly to refer to any situation where someone or something gives in to pressure, regardless of whether it involves mining or not.

Synonyms in English

• Give in
• Yield
• Surrender
• Concede
• Accept

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - rendirse
• French - se rendre
• Italian - arrendersi
• German - sich ergeben
• Chinese - 放弃 (fàngqì)

Similar Idioms

• cut corners

• cool your jets

• come to a head