Phrasal verb
throw away
Meanings
To put something in the trash or discard it because it is no longer wanted or usable.
To waste something valuable such as time, effort, money, or a chance.
Definition
To throw away means to get rid of something by putting it in the trash or discarding it.
To throw away something is to remove it because you no longer want or need it, often by putting it in the bin. People also use it to mean wasting something valuable, such as time, money, or an opportunity. The meaning usually depends on whether the object is a physical thing or something abstract.
Examples
- I threw away the broken headphones after they stopped working.
- You shouldn’t throw away that box; we might need it for moving.
- He threw away a great chance by arriving late to the interview.
- She threw away the wilted salad and made something fresh instead.
- They threw away hours arguing when they could have planned the trip.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that the object can go between the verb and particle (e.g., "throw it away," not only "throw away it").
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.