ENGLISH
REFERENCE

throw to the dogs

idiom
Meaning

To throw away as useless.


Examples
SIMPLE

He threw his old clothes to the dogs after they ripped.

CONTEXTUAL

The company threw the outdated project to the dogs once the new software arrived.

COMPLEX

After years of loyal service, the manager felt the firm had thrown his contributions to the dogs in favor of younger staff.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy a dog and bark oneself

    To do something that one has hired someone else to do.

  2. 02

    call off the dogs

    To ease up on after inflicting great punishment.

  3. 03

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  4. 04

    dog and cat

    A team comprising one male and one female, either working as associates or having one as the second-in-command to the other.

  5. 05

    dog and pony show

    Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.

  6. 06

    dog around

    To follow diligently.

  7. 07

    dog in the hunt

    Something that may lead to gain, depending on the outcome; a position for which to campaign or cheer.

  8. 08

    dog in the manger

    Someone who denies to others something that the denier cannot use.

Last updated April 17, 2026