throw away

Meaning

This expression means to discard or get rid of something that is no longer wanted or needed, typically by putting it in the trash. Metaphorically, it can also mean to waste a good opportunity, money, or talent.

Examples

• Don't throw away that box; I can use it for storage.

  Don't throw away that box; I can use it for storage.

• I need to clean my room and throw away all these old papers.

  I need to clean my room and throw away all these old papers.

• He threw away a great chance to study abroad by missing the deadline.

  He threw away a great chance to study abroad by missing the deadline.

• Instead of throwing away leftover food, you can freeze it.

  Instead of throwing away leftover food, you can freeze it.

• She felt like she was throwing away her money on cheap shoes.

  She felt like she was throwing away her money on cheap shoes.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Throw away it in the bin.

  ✓ Throw it away in the bin.

  When the object of a separable phrasal verb is a pronoun (like 'it' or 'them'), it must go between the verb and the particle.

• ✗ I threw out of my old shoes.

  ✓ I threw away my old shoes.

  Do not use 'out of' with 'throw away' or 'throw out' when discarding items directly.

Related Expressions

Practice

• You shouldn't ___ plastic bottles; you should recycle them.

  💡 discard in the trash

  Show answer

  throw away

• Don't ___ your future over one silly mistake.

  💡 waste or ruin

  Show answer

  throw away