Throw Away – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever tossed out spoiled food, deleted an old email, or heard someone say, “Don’t throw away your chance!”? In English, throw away has two main uses: (1) to get rid of something physical as trash, and (2) to waste something valuable like time, money, or an opportunity. It’s a simple phrase—but it carries weight, especially when used about chances or effort.
What Does “Throw Away” Mean?
“Throw away” means:
1. To discard or get rid of something as waste: “She threw away the expired milk.”
2. To waste or squander something valuable: “He threw away his scholarship by skipping classes.”
Think of it like dropping something in the trash… or carelessly letting a golden opportunity slip through your fingers. The tone can be neutral (for trash) or regretful (for wasted potential).
When to Use It
Use “throw away” in everyday or reflective conversations:
• For disposing of items: “Don’t throw away that box—I need it for shipping.”
• When warning about waste: “You’re throwing away your talent if you don’t practice.”
• In advice or criticism: “Don’t throw away this relationship over a small argument.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and even songs or movies. Avoid it in very formal reports unless describing disposal or loss.
Example Sentences
- I threw away my old shoes—they were falling apart.
- She regrets throwing away that job offer now.
- Don’t throw away food if it’s still good!
- He threw away years of training with one bad decision.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “Why didn’t you apply for the promotion?”
Jamie: “I was scared… but now I feel like I threw away a huge opportunity.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “throw away” with “throw out.” While they often mean the same thing (especially for trash), “throw away” is more commonly used for abstract losses like time or chances. Also, “throw away” is separable—so you can say “throw it away” but not “throw away it.”
❌ Don’t say: “Throw away it.”
✅ Do say: “Throw it away.”
✅ Do say: “Don’t throw away your future.”
Practice Tip
Next time you toss something in the bin, say: “I’m throwing this away.” When you see wasted potential—yours or someone else’s—notice it and think: “That’s like throwing away ______.” Using the phrase in both literal and meaningful ways builds real fluency.
Final Note
Now you can use “throw away” to talk about trash or lost opportunities—with accuracy and feeling. It’s a phrase that shows awareness: some things are meant to be discarded, but others are too valuable to waste. Keep listening for it in conversations, advice, and even lyrics. You’re not just learning English—you’re learning how people talk about loss and care. Keep going—you’ve got this!
