haul down one's colors
strike one's colors
To pull down a flag, showing you are beaten and want to stop fighting.
After a long battle, the pirate captain hauled down his colors.
To admit you are beaten; say you want to quit.
After losing two sets of tennis, Tom hauled down his color.
haul down
To catch (as a ball) usually after a long run.
Willie hauled down a long fly to center field for the third out.
The star halfback hauled down the pass for a touchdown.
To tackle in football.
Ted was hauled down from behind when he tried to run with the ball.