Language Research

throw · verb I or T

/θroʊ/Full view

throw

A2 to make something move through the air by pushing it out of your hand

Dictionary examples:

She threw the ball back over the fence.

I threw the ball to the dog.

Could you throw me an apple?

Learner example:

She threw a glass of water at me. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Turkish)

throw sth in/on, etc.

C1 to put something somewhere quickly and without thinking about it

Dictionary example:

He threw his clothes on the floor and got into bed.

Learner example:

Sometimes, if he doesn't like the food he will surely throw it on the floor. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

throw sth around/down/on, etc.

C2 to suddenly and quickly move your body or a part of your body

Dictionary examples:

She threw her arms around the child.

Gabriella threw herself onto the bed and started to cry.

Learner example:

I went into my bedroom and threw myself on the bed. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

throw sb in at the deep end

C2 to make someone start a new and difficult job or activity without helping them or preparing them for it

Dictionary example:

My first job was to organize a huge conference - they really threw me in at the deep end!

Learner example:

Sometimes we can be thrown in at the deep end and have qualms about making a decision. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)

throw in the towel

C2 to stop trying to do something because you do not think you can succeed

Dictionary example:

Their candidate should just throw in the towel and admit defeat.

Learner example:

You have to possess tenacity: never throw in the towel. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

throw caution to the wind

C2 to take a risk

Dictionary example:

I decided to throw caution to the wind and book a ticket to India.

Learner example:

They just threw caution to the wind, and did what they wanted. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; )

a stone's throw

C2 a very short distance

Dictionary example:

The house is just a stone's throw from the beach.

Learner example:

Whatever you want it is a stone's throw from your home. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

throw away/out sth or throw sth away/out

B1 to get rid of something that you do not want any more

Dictionary example:

So when are you going to throw away those old magazines?

Learner example:

I suggest you throw away your books and come with me to the sea! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

throw yourself into sth

C1 to start doing something with a lot of enthusiasm and energy

Dictionary example:

She's really thrown herself into her new job.

Learner example:

The more you throw yourself into learning English in an English-speaking country, the more interesting and fascinat[ed] you will feel. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Chinese)

throw out sb or throw sb out

B2 to force someone to leave

Dictionary example:

He was thrown out of school for taking drugs.

throw up (sth) or throw (sth) up

B2 to vomit

Dictionary examples:

I spent the night throwing up.

He threw up his breakfast all over the back seat of the car.

Learner example:

The next thing I knew was that I was throwing up, in front of everyone, including my mother! (First Certificate in English; B2; Norwegian)