throw to the wolves: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘throw to the wolves’ mean?
The idiom "throw to the wolves" means to sacrifice someone to a hostile or merciless group or situation, often for personal gain or to divert attention and avoid responsibility.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw under the bus" means to betray or sacrifice someone to protect oneself or shift blame onto them.
The idiom "throw caution to the wind" means to take a risk without worrying about the potential consequences or dangers.
The idiom "throw the baby out with the bathwater" means to discard something valuable or useful along with things that are not. It warns against the risk of making hasty or indiscriminate decisions that result in unnecessary loss.
The idiom "throw stones" means to criticize or blame someone, often without considering one's own faults or mistakes
The idiom "throw out" means to dispose of something, to get rid of it. It can also mean to eject or expel someone from a place or a group.
The idiom "throw one's hat over the wall" means to commit oneself to a course of action, often into a difficult or challenging situation, in order to show determination and resolve.
The idiom "throw one's hat over the fence" means to commit to a course of action or to take a decisive step towards a goal, often involving a risk or challenge.
The idiom "throw in the towel" means to give up or surrender in a difficult or challenging situation.
Dark Origins
The idiom "throw to the dogs" is similar to "throw to the wolves" in that it also refers to someone being abandoned or sacrificed to satisfy the desires or needs of others. However, "throw to the dogs" carries a slightly different connotation, suggesting a situation where the person is left to be attacked or persecuted by a group of people rather than wild animals.
Another related idiom is "throw under the bus," which shares the theme of betrayal and sacrifice. When someone is "thrown under the bus," they are being unfairly blamed or criticized in order to protect oneself or divert attention from the real issue. It implies a sense of betrayal and a willingness to sacrifice someone else's reputation or well-being for personal gain or self-preservation.
Similarly, the idiom "throw caution to the wind" also shares a common theme with "throw to the wolves." "Throwing caution to the wind" means to disregard or ignore potential risks or consequences and act without restraint or caution. It implies a willingness to take bold or impulsive actions, often in pursuit of personal desires or goals, regardless of the potential dangers or negative outcomes.
These related idioms highlight various aspects of the human experience, from sacrifice and betrayal to courage and risk-taking. They provide colorful and descriptive expressions that allow us to convey complex emotions and concepts in a succinct and relatable way. Through their usage, we can explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, the struggles of navigating a competitive world, and the power dynamics at play in society.
The idiom "throw to the wolves" originated from ancient Roman practices of public execution and has come to symbolize the act of sacrificing or abandoning someone to satisfy the desires or needs of others. It is a powerful metaphor that vividly captures the vulnerability and lack of protection experienced by the person being abandoned. The related idioms "throw to the dogs," "throw under the bus," and "throw caution to the wind" further explore themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and risk-taking. Together, these idioms provide us with a deeper understanding of human relationships and the complex dynamics that shape our interactions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "throw to the wolves" can be used in a sentence:
- They decided to hire a new employee and have him handle all the difficult clients, throwing him to the wolves.
- After stealing the money, he panicked and threw his accomplice to the wolves, leaving him to face the consequences alone.
- The coach was frustrated with the team's poor performance and threatened to throw the players to the wolves if they didn't start winning.
The idiom "throw to the wolves" refers to a situation where someone is left to face a difficult or dangerous situation without any support or protection. It suggests abandonment or sacrifice for the sake of another's gain or self-preservation.
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