# throw off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/throw-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To confuse; especially, to lose a pursuer.

## Examples

- The strange noise threw me off.
- The thief took a sudden turn down a narrow alley to throw off the police officers chasing him.
- By deliberately introducing contradictory evidence during the trial, the defense attorney hoped to throw off the jury and create enough doubt for an acquittal.

---

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.