throw around
يبعثر
Literally: to toss something in various directions
Use it to describe someone using resources or words casually, often to brainstorm or show off.
In 15 Seconds
- Using things like money or words carelessly or casually.
- Brainstorming ideas in a relaxed, non-committal way.
- Acting a bit boastful by mentioning famous names or wealth.
Meaning
To use words, ideas, or money in a casual or careless way without much serious thought. It suggests you are treating something important as if it were just a toy to toss around.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a creative meeting
Let's just throw some ideas around and see what sticks.
Let's just suggest some ideas casually and see what works.
Talking about a rich friend
He's been throwing his money around since he got that bonus.
He has been spending his money carelessly since he got that bonus.
At a party with a boastful person
Stop throwing around the CEO's name; we know you met him once.
Stop mentioning the CEO's name casually; we know you met him once.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a casual, low-stakes approach to communication and resources. It gained popularity in the 20th century as corporate culture became more collaborative and less rigid, emphasizing 'tossing' ideas back and forth.
Separate the Verb
You can put the object in the middle! `Throw ideas around` sounds even more natural than `throw around ideas` in many casual conversations.
Don't Sound Arrogant
Be careful when saying someone 'throws their money around.' It is usually a criticism, implying they are being flashy or irresponsible.
In 15 Seconds
- Using things like money or words carelessly or casually.
- Brainstorming ideas in a relaxed, non-committal way.
- Acting a bit boastful by mentioning famous names or wealth.
What It Means
Imagine you are playing catch with a ball. You aren't being very careful, right? You just throw it around. When we use this phrase with words or money, it means the same thing. You are using things loosely. You aren't being precise or cautious. It often implies a bit of showing off. It can also mean brainstorming ideas quickly. It is all about a lack of heavy seriousness.
How To Use It
You can throw around names to sound important. This is called 'name-dropping.' You can throw around money if you are feeling rich at a mall. In a meeting, you might throw around some ideas for a new project. Notice how the object usually comes after the phrase. However, you can also say throw ideas around. It is a flexible phrasal verb. Just remember it sounds very active and a bit messy.
When To Use It
Use it when someone is being a bit reckless. It is perfect for describing a boss who uses big words they don't understand. Use it when friends are casually planning a trip. It works well when discussing someone's spending habits. It feels very natural in a workplace setting during creative sessions. It is a great way to describe 'brainstorming' without using that boring corporate word.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for serious, legal, or sacred things. You wouldn't throw around a marriage proposal. Avoid it in very formal academic writing. If you are being deeply sincere, this phrase might make you sound flippant. Don't use it if the action is physically violent. It is about casual usage, not literal throwing in a fight. It is too lighthearted for tragic or heavy news.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, 'throwing your weight around' is a related concept. It means using your power to bully others. The phrase throw around reflects a fast-paced, casual social style. It became very popular in the mid-20th century business world. It suggests that ideas are cheap and plentiful. It captures the 'move fast and break things' energy of modern startups. It is very common in American and British English.
Common Variations
Throwing money around: Spending like there is no tomorrow.Throwing names around: Trying to impress people with who you know.Throwing ideas around: Having a casual chat to find a solution.Throwing words around: Speaking without thinking about the impact.
Usage Notes
The phrase is primarily informal to neutral. It is highly versatile but carries a connotation of 'lack of precision' or 'casualness' that might be inappropriate in high-stakes formal settings.
Separate the Verb
You can put the object in the middle! `Throw ideas around` sounds even more natural than `throw around ideas` in many casual conversations.
Don't Sound Arrogant
Be careful when saying someone 'throws their money around.' It is usually a criticism, implying they are being flashy or irresponsible.
The 'Weight' Variation
If you hear someone is 'throwing their weight around,' it means they are using their authority to bully people. It's a very common office idiom!
Examples
6Let's just throw some ideas around and see what sticks.
Let's just suggest some ideas casually and see what works.
Here it means brainstorming in a relaxed way.
He's been throwing his money around since he got that bonus.
He has been spending his money carelessly since he got that bonus.
Implies the person is spending too much to show off.
Stop throwing around the CEO's name; we know you met him once.
Stop mentioning the CEO's name casually; we know you met him once.
Refers to 'name-dropping' to sound important.
People are throwing around some crazy rumors about the breakup.
People are spreading some crazy rumors casually about the breakup.
Shows how information is being shared without proof.
He throws around a lot of technical jargon but doesn't explain it.
He uses a lot of technical words casually but doesn't explain them.
Criticizes someone for using big words without care.
You can't just throw around accusations without any evidence!
You can't just make accusations carelessly without any evidence!
Used here to show frustration with someone's recklessness.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence describing a brainstorming session.
We spent the afternoon ___ around different names for the new puppy.
When you are casually suggesting names or ideas, the correct phrasal verb is `throwing around`.
Identify the context of 'throwing around' in this sentence: 'He loves to throw around his father's influence.'
In this sentence, the person is ___.
Throwing around influence or weight means using your status to get what you want or to impress others.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Throw Around'
Very loose usage among close friends.
Throwing shade around.
The sweet spot for this phrase.
Throwing ideas around.
Acceptable in office chats.
Throwing around a few figures.
Avoid in legal or academic papers.
N/A
Where to use 'Throw Around'
Meeting
Throwing ideas around
Shopping
Throwing money around
Gossip
Throwing rumors around
Socializing
Throwing names around
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, no. While you can physically throw things around a room, we mostly use it metaphorically for words, money, or ideas.
It depends on what you are throwing. Throwing ideas around is positive, but throwing your weight around is considered quite rude.
Yes, if the tone is collaborative. For example, I'd love to throw some ideas around with you next week is a friendly way to suggest a meeting.
It means mentioning famous or powerful people you know just to make yourself look cool or important.
Yes! Toss around and throw around are almost identical. Toss feels slightly softer and more casual.
Only if you are talking about wrestling or physical fighting. Otherwise, it is used for abstract things like concepts or currency.
It is used widely in both! You will hear it in London offices and New York coffee shops alike.
Using it for very serious topics. Saying someone is throwing around love sounds strange because love is usually treated with more weight.
Yes, you can throw a ball around in the backyard. This is the literal version of the phrase.
Not necessarily. It just implies they are unrefined or 'rough drafts' that haven't been fully thought out yet.
Related Phrases
Toss around
Bandied about
Name-dropping
Throw your weight around
Scatter
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