cave in
Meaning
To collapse inward; figuratively, to give in or yield to pressure or demands.
Origin
Originally literal: a cave or mine can “cave in” (collapse). By the 1800s it was also used figuratively for a person’s resolve “collapsing” under pressure, leading to the sense “give in.”
Notes
Used both literally (a roof/wall collapses) and figuratively (a person yields). Figurative use often implies reluctant surrender under pressure.
Examples
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After two hours of arguing, he finally caved in and apologized.
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The roof might cave in if we don’t shore up the beams.
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She refused at first, but she caved in when she saw how important it was to him.
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Don’t cave in to peer pressure just because everyone else is doing it.
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The company caved in to public criticism and changed its policy.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Intransitive phrasal verb: “The roof caved in.” Figurative: “cave in to + noun” or “cave in and + verb” (less common). Not used as “cave someone in” for the figurative sense.
Synonyms
- give in
- yield
- back down
- capitulate
- collapse
Antonyms
- stand firm
- hold out
- refuse to budge