expression, ichidan verb
give up; admit defeat; throw in the towel
Idiomatic expression used when someone can no longer endure a difficult situation and gives up or admits defeat. Often implies reaching a limit after effort.
あまりの暑さに音を上げて、エアコンをつけた。
I gave up because of the intense heat and turned on the air conditioner.
彼は難しい問題に音を上げた。
He admitted defeat with the difficult problem.