throw over
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Littéralement: to toss or hurl something over a boundary
Use `throw over` when someone is dumped or a plan is ditched specifically for a new replacement.
En 15 secondes
- To abandon a person or plan for a new alternative.
- Most commonly used for dumping a romantic partner for someone else.
- Implies a sudden, slightly cold replacement of the old for new.
Signification
This phrase describes the act of suddenly ending a relationship or abandoning a plan to start something new. It is most often used when someone dumps a romantic partner for a different person.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Gossip between friends
I can't believe Mark threw over Sarah for a girl he met last week.
I can't believe Mark dumped Sarah for a girl he met last week.
Discussing a career change
She threw over a law career to become a traveling musician.
She abandoned a law career to become a traveling musician.
A dramatic movie scene
You can't just throw me over after ten years of marriage!
You can't just leave me after ten years of marriage!
Contexte culturel
The phrase evokes the imagery of the 'fickle lover' common in English literature. While less common in Gen Z slang, it remains a staple in British literature and journalism to describe scandalous social shifts. It implies a certain level of coldness or social climbing.
The 'For' Factor
This phrase almost always needs the word 'for' afterwards to explain what the new thing is. Example: `threw over X for Y`.
Don't confuse with 'Throw up'
Be careful! `Throw up` means to vomit. `Throw over` means to replace. Mixing them up would make for a very messy story!
En 15 secondes
- To abandon a person or plan for a new alternative.
- Most commonly used for dumping a romantic partner for someone else.
- Implies a sudden, slightly cold replacement of the old for new.
What It Means
Throw over is all about replacement. It is not just leaving something behind. It is leaving it because you found something you like better. Think of it like tossing an old coat over a fence because you saw a shiny new jacket. In relationships, it means dumping a partner for someone else. It feels sudden and a bit cold. It is like being traded in for a newer model.
How To Use It
You usually say someone threw over person A for person B. You can also use it for habits or career paths. If you quit your stable job to become a full-time TikToker, you threw over your career for social media. It is a phrasal verb, so the object usually comes after over. You do not really say 'throw him over' as much as 'throw over him.' Actually, it is most common as throw someone over.
When To Use It
Use this when there is a clear 'before' and 'after.' It is perfect for juicy gossip. If your friend's boyfriend leaves her for her cousin, that is a classic throw over moment. It works well when discussing sudden changes in loyalty. Use it when the switch feels a bit dramatic or surprising. It adds a bit of 'ouch' to the story.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a mutual breakup. If both people agree to part ways, nobody was thrown over. Also, avoid it in very professional settings. You would not tell a CEO they threw over their strategy. Use 'abandoned' or 'pivoted' instead. It sounds a bit too personal for a board meeting. Do not use it for physical objects unless you are being poetic.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a bit of an old-fashioned, dramatic flair. It sounds like something out of a 19th-century novel or a black-and-white movie. In British English, it was very popular in the mid-1900s. Today, it suggests a lack of loyalty. It implies that the person who left was a bit fickle. It captures the 'disposable' nature of modern dating or trends.
Common Variations
The most common variation is throw someone over for someone else. You might also hear cast aside, which is much more dramatic. In modern slang, people might just say 'dumped' or 'ghosted.' However, throw over specifically highlights the person who was the replacement. It focuses on the trade-off rather than just the exit.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits in a 'literary neutral' space. It is not slang, but it is too descriptive for formal business reports. It is best used in storytelling, journalism, or social discussions.
The 'For' Factor
This phrase almost always needs the word 'for' afterwards to explain what the new thing is. Example: `threw over X for Y`.
Don't confuse with 'Throw up'
Be careful! `Throw up` means to vomit. `Throw over` means to replace. Mixing them up would make for a very messy story!
Vintage Vibes
Using this phrase makes you sound well-read. It's a favorite in British period dramas like Downton Abbey.
Exemples
6I can't believe Mark threw over Sarah for a girl he met last week.
I can't believe Mark dumped Sarah for a girl he met last week.
Highlights the sudden replacement of the partner.
She threw over a law career to become a traveling musician.
She abandoned a law career to become a traveling musician.
Shows a dramatic shift in life path.
You can't just throw me over after ten years of marriage!
You can't just leave me after ten years of marriage!
Conveys the pain of being replaced.
The striker threw over his home club for a bigger paycheck in Europe.
The striker left his home club for a bigger paycheck in Europe.
Used here to show a lack of loyalty for money.
My cat threw me over for the neighbor just because they have better treats.
My cat abandoned me for the neighbor because of better treats.
Playful use regarding a pet's loyalty.
The King threw over his long-standing advisors for a group of younger radicals.
The King replaced his long-standing advisors with younger radicals.
Describes a shift in political loyalty.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a sudden change in plans.
He decided to ___ over his steady job for the chance to sail around the world.
The full phrase is `throw over`, meaning to abandon one thing for another.
Complete the sentence to describe a romantic betrayal.
She was devastated when he threw her ___ for his ex-girlfriend.
To `throw someone over` specifically means to leave them for someone else.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Throw Over'
Ditched / Dumped
He ditched her.
Throw over
He threw her over for Sarah.
Renounced / Forsaken
He renounced his vows.
When to use 'Throw Over'
Romantic Breakup
Leaving a boyfriend for a musician.
Career Shift
Quitting medicine for art.
Changing Habits
Dropping keto for a vegan diet.
Political Loyalty
Leaving a party for a rival.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. It specifically implies you are breaking up with someone because you found a replacement. If you just want to be single, you wouldn't usually use throw over.
Usually, no. You wouldn't say 'I threw over my old phone for a new one.' Use it for people, careers, or major life beliefs instead.
It describes a rude action, but the phrase itself isn't a swear word. It sounds a bit judgmental of the person doing the throwing.
It is understood in the US, but it is much more common in British English. Americans might prefer 'dumped for' or 'left for'.
Yes, you can use the passive voice. For example: She was thrown over by her fiancé. It emphasizes her as the victim of the situation.
Throw away is for trash or wasted opportunities. Throw over is for replacing one person or commitment with another.
Definitely not. On a resume, use 'transitioned from' or 'pivoted.' Throw over sounds too emotional and impulsive.
Yes! If a fan suddenly starts supporting a rival team, you could say they threw over their old team for the champions.
No, it can be a cause or a religion. He threw over his principles for a chance at power is a great way to use it.
Not necessarily. Cheating is being with two people at once. Throw over is the act of officially leaving the first person for the second.
Expressions liées
Cast aside
To reject or discard someone or something as no longer useful.
Ditch
To get rid of or leave someone suddenly (informal).
Forsake
To abandon someone or something you have a duty to (very formal/literary).
Give up
To stop doing or having something.
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