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throw oneself at

B2 informal transitive
In simple words

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.

Literal meaning: To physically hurl your body in the direction of someone.

Meanings

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."

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."

Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

mercy feet person attacker chance opportunity

Forms

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

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