tap out
To tap the floor/mat to give up in a fight, or to say you're too tired or have run out of something.
Meanings
(Combat sports) To signal submission or defeat by repeatedly tapping the mat or one's opponent.
"The wrestler was caught in an armlock and had no choice but to tap out."
(Informal) To reach the limits of one's energy, money, or resources and be unable to continue.
"We've tapped out our budget for this month — no more spending."
To knock or shake something out of a container by tapping it.
"He tapped out the last few drops of tobacco from the pouch."
The combat sports sense (MMA, wrestling) is the most specific: a fighter taps their hand on the mat or opponent to signal they are giving up. Informally extended to mean 'I've had enough' or 'I've used up all of something.' Also used literally to mean knocking or tapping something out of a container.
Commonly used with
Forms
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