throw at
يرمي على
Use `throw at` for physical tossing or when life suddenly overwhelms you with tasks.
En 15 segundos
- Physically tossing an object toward a specific person or target.
- Metaphorically giving someone too many tasks or problems to handle.
- Implies speed, force, or a lack of preparation for the receiver.
Significado
To physically toss something toward a person or object, or metaphorically to give someone a lot of tasks or problems to deal with at once.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Playing in the park
Don't throw the stick at the dog; throw it toward the grass.
Don't throw the stick at the dog; throw it toward the grass.
A busy day at the office
My boss threw three new projects at me on Friday afternoon.
My boss threw three new projects at me on Friday afternoon.
An argument between friends
She was so angry she threw her pillow at him.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects a direct, action-oriented communication style common in English-speaking countries. It often appears in 'underdog' stories where a protagonist has challenges 'thrown at' them. In sports-heavy cultures like the US or UK, the distinction between throwing 'to' (friendly) and 'at' (aggressive) is a key social nuance.
At vs. To
Be careful! Throwing 'to' someone is helpful (catching a ball). Throwing 'at' someone can sound like you are trying to hit or hurt them.
The 'Kitchen Sink' Secret
If you say you 'threw the kitchen sink at it,' people will be impressed. It means you tried absolutely everything possible to succeed.
En 15 segundos
- Physically tossing an object toward a specific person or target.
- Metaphorically giving someone too many tasks or problems to handle.
- Implies speed, force, or a lack of preparation for the receiver.
What It Means
At its core, throw at is about movement and direction. It means taking an object and launching it toward a target. You might throw a ball at a friend during a game. However, English speakers love metaphors. We also use it when life or a boss gives us too much to handle. It feels like things are being launched at you rapidly. It implies a sense of force or suddenness.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe physical actions or stressful situations. When using it physically, the object comes first, then at, then the target. For example, He threw the keys at me. In a work sense, you might say They threw a lot of work at me. It usually suggests the receiver wasn't fully ready. It’s a very active, high-energy expression.
When To Use It
Use it during sports or when playing with pets. It’s perfect for describing a chaotic day at the office. Use it when someone is trying to get your attention by tossing something small. It also works when someone is yelling insults or questions. They are throwing questions at you like dodgeballs. It’s great for storytelling to add a bit of drama.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if the action is gentle. If you hand someone a glass of water, don't say you threw it at them. That sounds like a fight started! Avoid it in very delicate romantic situations unless you are joking. If you say He threw a ring at me, it sounds like a terrible proposal. Use to instead of at if the goal is cooperation, like throw the ball to me.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, throw at often appears in sports idioms. Think of baseball or cricket where the ball is literally thrown at a player. There is also a famous saying: throw everything but the kitchen sink at it. This means using every possible resource to solve a problem. It reflects a culture that values fast-paced action and 'attacking' problems directly. It’s about being proactive, even if it’s a bit messy.
Common Variations
You will often hear throw it at the wall and see what sticks. This is a common business phrase. It means trying many random ideas to see which one works. Another one is throw a fit at, which means getting very angry at someone. You might also hear throw money at a problem. This means trying to fix something just by spending money instead of thinking.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral and widely used in both casual and professional settings. The most important thing to remember is the nuance of 'at'—it implies a target, which can sometimes feel aggressive compared to 'to'.
At vs. To
Be careful! Throwing 'to' someone is helpful (catching a ball). Throwing 'at' someone can sound like you are trying to hit or hurt them.
The 'Kitchen Sink' Secret
If you say you 'threw the kitchen sink at it,' people will be impressed. It means you tried absolutely everything possible to succeed.
Curveballs
In the US, people say 'throw a curveball at me.' This comes from baseball and means giving someone a surprise they didn't expect.
Ejemplos
6Don't throw the stick at the dog; throw it toward the grass.
Don't throw the stick at the dog; throw it toward the grass.
Focuses on the physical direction of the object.
My boss threw three new projects at me on Friday afternoon.
My boss threw three new projects at me on Friday afternoon.
Metaphorical use meaning giving someone a lot of work suddenly.
She was so angry she threw her pillow at him.
Expresses physical action driven by emotion.
The professor threw some really tricky questions at us today.
The professor threw some really tricky questions at us today.
Commonly used for unexpected challenges in school.
I tried to be a chef, but I just threw flour at the walls.
I tried to be a chef, but I just threw flour at the walls.
Self-deprecating humor about being messy.
We cannot simply throw money at this marketing issue.
We cannot simply throw money at this marketing issue.
A common idiom meaning spending without a plan.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct preposition to show that the boss gave you a lot of work unexpectedly.
The manager threw a huge task ___ me right before I left.
We use `at` with `throw` to describe someone giving us a challenge or task suddenly.
Distinguish between a friendly pass and an aggressive action.
If you are angry, you might throw a ball ___ someone, not to them.
Throwing `at` implies the person is a target, often suggesting aggression or force.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Throw At'
Tossing a ball or joking with friends.
Hey, throw that bag at me!
Standard workplace or daily descriptions.
Life threw a curveball at her.
Discussing policy or financial strategies.
The government threw resources at the crisis.
When to use 'Throw At'
Physical Action
Throwing a dart at a board.
Work Stress
Throwing tasks at a colleague.
Difficult Questions
Throwing insults at a rival.
Problem Solving
Throwing money at a leak.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNot necessarily, but it implies more force than 'throw to.' If you throw a ball at a target, you are just aiming, but if you throw it at a person, it might seem aggressive.
Usually, it's used for challenges or physical objects. However, you could say someone threw a party at a location, though that is a slightly different structure.
Toss at is much lighter and more casual. You toss a coin, but you throw a rock.
Yes, it is very common. You can say, 'Let's throw some ideas at the wall' to encourage brainstorming.
The past tense of throw is threw. So you would say, 'He threw the book at the table' or 'They threw a lot of questions at me.'
It means to have a sudden burst of anger or a tantrum directed toward someone. For example, The toddler threw a fit at his mom.
Yes! You can throw ideas at someone to get their opinion. It sounds like a quick, informal way of sharing.
Yes, completely. Throw away means to put something in the trash. Throw at is about the direction of the throw.
It's a common criticism. It means trying to solve a complex problem by just spending money instead of finding a real solution.
Yes, you can throw insults at someone. It means you are saying mean things to them rapidly.
Frases relacionadas
Throw to (toss something for someone to catch)
Throw a curveball (to surprise someone)
Throw under the bus (to betray someone)
Throw in the towel (to give up)
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