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Glite Dictionary
to fold like a cheap suit

to fold like a cheap suit

9.6
To give in easily when under pressure
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : rendirse fácilmente
  • I guarantee, you get them on the golf course, they fold like a cheap suit.

Examples

  • Whenever she faced criticism at work, she would fold like a cheap suit and back down from her opinions.

  • Under pressure during the debate, the candidate folded like a cheap suit when challenged on his policies.

  • When the team was confronted with the difficult tasks, they folded like a cheap suit and gave up trying.

Synonyms

to give in
vsto fold like a cheap suit
220 3.0

To stop resisting and agree to what others want

surrenders quickly and easily under pressure
to yield
vsto fold like a cheap suit
81 4.3

To stop resisting under pressure or force

surrenders more quickly rather than after prolonged resistance
to cave
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
71 6.7

To give in to pressure or demands

is about easy, quick surrender under pressure
to throw in
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
29 4.9

Stop trying because you cannot win

is about yielding quickly under pressure rather than gradual quitting
to cave in
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
21 4.8

Give in to pressure or strong requests after resisting

surrenders fast and easily instead of holding out
to cave to
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
5 7.6

To give in to pressure or demands from others

focuses on quick, easy surrender under pressure instead
to knuckle under
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
4 8.4

To give in to pressure or someone in charge even if you do not want to

describes a quicker, easier form of submission under pressure
to buckle under
vsto fold like a cheap suit
2 6.7

To give in to pressure even though you do not want to

implies giving in more readily under similar pressure
to say uncle
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
2 8.9

To give up because of pressure or pain

is similar but stresses quicker, easier capitulation under pressure
to buckle to
vsto fold like a cheap suit
2 8.4

To give in to pressure or criticism

suggests faster, easier surrender rather than reluctant yielding
to cry uncle
vsto fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
1 8.8

To admit you give up when someone pressures you

emphasizes very easy, rapid surrender under pressure

Antonyms

to resist
291 2.5

Stop yourself from doing something you want to do

to stand firm
22 3.7

Keep your decision or opinion when others try to make you change

How Resistant

to stand firm
22 3.7
to resist
311 2.2
to fold like a cheap suit
  • Informal
9.6

Surface Forms

fold like a cheap suit infinitive

Morphology

fold + like + a + cheap + suit

The meaning arises from a metaphorical simile: a person is compared to a 'cheap suit' that 'folds' easily, so someone who 'folds like a cheap suit' yields or gives in. A learner who knows 'fold' (to collapse/bend) and 'cheap suit' (something that wrinkles or folds readily) can plausibly infer the intended sense, but the figurative comparison and cultural image make the relation only partly predictable without exposure.

Etymology

The idiom fold like a cheap suit creates the picture of a thin, poor cheap suit that folds or crumples the moment you press it, like clothing that cannot stand up to pressure. So it means 'to give in or surrender easily'.