兜かぶとを脱ぬぐ

expression, godan verb (-gu)

acknowledge defeat; admit inferiority; take one's hat off to someone

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to take off one's helmet'. Used when someone concedes superiority or acknowledges that they have been outdone, often in a competitive or argumentative context. Can be used both seriously and light-heartedly.

• 彼かれの知ち識しきには兜かぶとを脱ぬぐよ。

  I have to take my hat off to his knowledge.

• 議ぎ論ろんで完かん全ぜんに負まけて、兜かぶとを脱ぬいだ。

  I was completely beaten in the argument and admitted defeat.

expression, godan verb (-gu)

give up; surrender; strike one's colors

Extended from the literal image of a warrior removing his helmet to signal surrender. Used when someone abandons resistance or yields in a conflict, competition, or stubborn stance.

• 長ちょう時じ間かんの交こう渉しょうの末すえ、相あい手てが兜かぶとを脱ぬいだ。

  After long negotiations, the other party finally gave in.

• 彼かれはなかなか兜かぶとを脱ぬがなかった。

  He wouldn't surrender easily.