Л-24

(ПОДНИМАТЬ/ПОДНЯТЬ) ЛАПКИ КВЕРХУ coll VP or NP ( Invar, usu. predic) subj: human fixed WO

to admit defeat (without putting up any resistance, or already having ceased to resist)

X (поднял) лапки кверху - X threw in the towel (the sponge)

X cried uncle X gave up (the fight) (in limited contexts) X was down for the count X took it lying down.

Тебя слегка покритиковали, а ты сразу же лапки кверху? А little criticism and you immediately throw in the towel?