# jump down someone's throat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/jump-down-someones-throat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To criticise with excessive and unexpected harshness.

## Examples

- I made a small mistake, but he jumped down my throat.
- I only asked a simple question, so there was no reason for her to jump down my throat.
- Even though the error was minor, the manager jumped down my throat in front of the entire team, leaving everyone feeling uncomfortable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.