ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throw away

idiom
Meaning

To give lightly, in an offhand manner.


Origin

From throw + away. First attested in the late 14c.

Examples
SIMPLE

Do not throw away your chance to win this game.

CONTEXTUAL

He worked hard for that promotion, so he should not throw away his opportunity by arriving late every day.

COMPLEX

It is tragic to see such a talented artist throw away a promising career through a series of careless and impulsive decisions.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  2. 02

    away with the fairies

    Not all there; slightly crazy.

  3. 03

    bang away

    to strike or hit repeatedly

  4. 04

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  5. 05

    beaver away

    To work hard at a task.

  6. 06

    blaze away

    To fire (firearms) repeatedly.

  7. 07

    blow away

    To kill (someone) by shooting them with a firearm.

  8. 08

    blow the cobwebs away

    To make changes for space for new fresh ideas

Last updated April 17, 2026