to cave in

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

Said of the earth which falls down when digging into a bank. Figuratively, to break down; to give up.


At the late dinner, Mr. W---- arose to make a speech, but soon caved in.--Washington Paper.

The South-western and Western Locos, it is thought, will cave in, and finally go for the Treaty [of peace with Mexico], though they talk loud against it now.--New York Tribune, March 4, 1848.

The Northern Democrats are caving in on the "three million bill;" they have determined to sacrifice the proviso against slavery; their temporary firmness, though mostly affected, has already failed.--N. Y. Tribune.

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