поднимать лапки кверху

• (ПОДНИМАТЬ/ПОДНЯТЬ) ЛАПКИ КВЕРХУ coll

[VP or NP (Invar, usu. predic; subj: human; fixed WO]

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⇒ 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?