1 B2 idiomatic informal
To pursue someone romantically in a very obvious, eager, or shameless way.
"Everyone at the party noticed how she kept throwing herself at the new colleague."
throw oneself at
B2 informal transitive
To make an obvious and sometimes shameless attempt to attract the romantic or sexual interest of someone; or to physically launch oneself toward someone or something.
In plain English
To try very hard and obviously to make someone fall in love with you, sometimes in a way that is embarrassing; or to jump or rush directly at someone.
What does "throw oneself at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To physically launch yourself at someone, for example to attack, stop, or beg from them.
"He threw himself at the thief, grabbing him before he could escape."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically hurl your body in the direction of someone.
Actually means
To try very hard and obviously to make someone fall in love with you, sometimes in a way that is embarrassing; or to jump or rush directly at someone.
Usage tip
The romantic sense usually carries a slightly negative or humorous connotation, suggesting the pursuit is too obvious or undignified. The physical sense (throwing oneself at an attacker) is more neutral. Always reflexive.
Words that pair with "throw oneself at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mercy feet person attacker chance opportunity
How to conjugate "throw oneself at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
throw oneself at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
throws oneself at
he/she/it
Past simple
threw oneself at
yesterday
Past participle
thrown oneself at
have + pp
-ing form
throwing oneself at
continuous
Hear "throw oneself at" in the wild
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