throw away
To get rid of something you no longer want, or to waste an opportunity or resource.
Main Meanings
- Dispose of physical items: To put unwanted objects, trash, or waste into a garbage bin.
- Waste opportunities or efforts: To fail to use a good chance, talent, or hard work sensibly.
- Squander money: To spend money foolishly or carelessly.
Related Form: "Throwaway" (Adjective or Noun)
- Disposable: Made to be used once and discarded (e.g., a throwaway container).
- Casual or low-key: Said or done in an unemphatic, offhand way (e.g., a throwaway comment or joke).
- Wasteful: Characterized by a habit of discarding items easily (e.g., a throwaway society).
“Don't throw away those cardboard boxes; we can reuse them.”
“Do not throw away your chance to win this game.”
“Before moving house, she spent the weekend throwing away years of accumulated clutter.”
“He worked hard for that promotion, so he should not throw away his opportunity by arriving late every day.”
“Buying that unnecessary luxury gadget was like throwing money away.”
“In an era dominated by throwaway consumer goods, learning to repair rather than throw away broken items is both economical and sustainable.”
“It is tragic to see such a talented artist throw away a promising career through a series of careless and impulsive decisions.”
From throw + away. First attested in the late 14c.
- 01
away game
An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.
- 02
away with the fairies
Not all there; slightly crazy.
- 03
bang away
to strike or hit repeatedly
- 04
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 05
beaver away
To work hard at a task.
- 06
blaze away
To fire (firearms) repeatedly.
- 07
blow away
To kill (someone) by shooting them with a firearm.
- 08
blow the cobwebs away
To make changes for space for new fresh ideas
Last updated September 21, 2026