For just a second.
Why would they abandon this? Huh? What? They are punting?
"Punting" in American football means you are kicking the ball away...giving it to the opposition as they have thwarted your efforts at forward progress.
Having spent time in the U.K., I understand that Chris means that Violin is not giving up, but is instead going for a ride in a little flat bottom boat propelled by a long stick.
Top Gear and The Reg satisfy my thirst for Brit-isms. Keep up the good work. Don't punt.