# throw away

phrasal verb · idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-away
Updated: 2026-09-21

## Meaning

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).

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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

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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.