ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throw a bone to

idiom
Meaning

To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the act of throwing a bone as food to a hungry dog.

Examples
SIMPLE

The boss threw me a bone by giving me an extra day.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher knew the test was hard, so she threw the students a bone by removing the most difficult question.

COMPLEX

Although the committee refused to approve the entire proposal, they threw the activists a bone by agreeing to fund a small portion of the project.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bone hard

    As hard as a bone, rock hard.

  2. 02

    bone in her teeth

    (of a boat or ship) A prominent bow wave (as a result of high speed).

  3. 03

    bone in the throat

    A source of continuing annoyance; a hindrance.

  4. 04

    bone of contention

    Something that continues to be disputed; something on which no agreement can be reached.

  5. 05

    breed in the bone

    To establish or ingrain firmly within someone's nature.

  6. 06

    chill to the bone

    To make someone extremely cold, or to be extremely cold.

  7. 07

    funny bone

    The ulnar nerve in the elbow, which, when hit, causes a tingling sensation.

  8. 08

    have a bone to pick

    To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.

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