# throw shapes

idiom

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

## Meaning

To act tough or put up a front. For example, to threaten a person by making "karate chops" at them, without actually doing harm or knowing karate.

## Examples

- He likes to throw shapes when he gets angry at people.
- The man in the bar started throwing shapes, but everyone knew he was just acting tough.
- Despite his intimidating posture and the way he threw shapes, his nervous eyes betrayed his lack of genuine confidence.

---

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.