1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To start doing something with great energy and total commitment.
"After landing the lead role, she threw herself into learning her lines and preparing for each scene."
throw oneself into
B2 neutral transitive
To commit to an activity or task with great enthusiasm and energy, giving it all your effort.
In plain English
To start doing something with as much energy and effort as you can.
What does "throw oneself into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To use an activity as a way to cope with grief, stress, or personal difficulty by burying oneself in it.
"When his marriage ended, he threw himself into his work to avoid thinking about it."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically hurl your body into a place or activity, fully submerging yourself in it.
Actually means
To start doing something with as much energy and effort as you can.
Usage tip
Always reflexive. Very common in both spoken and written English. Often used when someone seeks refuge in work or activity after a difficult event ('after the divorce, she threw herself into her work'). Conveys total, passionate engagement.
Words that pair with "throw oneself into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
work project role hobby studies task
How to conjugate "throw oneself into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
throw oneself into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
throws oneself into
he/she/it
Past simple
threw oneself into
yesterday
Past participle
thrown oneself into
have + pp
-ing form
throwing oneself into
continuous
Hear "throw oneself into" in the wild
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