To abandon or desert someone, especially a romantic partner.
To stop being with someone and leave them behind, like a boyfriend or girlfriend.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To abandon or jilt a romantic partner or close associate.
"He threw her over for a younger woman, which devastated everyone who knew them."
'She had thrown him over, that was certain.'
— P.G. Wodehouse, 'The Inimitable Jeeves', 1923
To give up or abandon a plan, cause, or way of life.
"After years in politics, she threw it all over and moved to the countryside."
To throw something across or over an obstacle.
To stop being with someone and leave them behind, like a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Somewhat old-fashioned or literary in tone; more common in British English and 19th–20th century fiction. Rarely used in contemporary casual speech. Also used, less commonly, for abandoning a cause or plan.
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