something has (got) to give

phrase

—used to say that someone or something has to stop trying to resist or oppose something

For the strike to be settled, something has (got) to give!

Examples of something has (got) to give in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When local governments lack the fiscal tools to fund that gap, something has to give. — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 14 Feb. 2026

And while there’s something almost sculptural about the mounds that have formed around these cars, something has to give eventually. — Clio Chang, Curbed, 5 Feb. 2026

And when something has to give, workouts are often the first thing pushed aside. — Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026

In astrology, squares demand action, and when the planet of vitality and purpose (sun) clashes with the planet of discipline, boundaries and karmic lessons (Saturn), something has to give. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025