throw over
C1 formal separable transitive
In simple words
To stop being with someone and leave them behind, like a boyfriend or girlfriend.
Literal meaning: To throw something across or over an obstacle.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
formal
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
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
lover fiancé partner suitor friend cause
Forms
Base
throw over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
throws over
he/she/it
Past simple
threw over
yesterday
Past participle
thrown over
have + pp
-ing form
throwing over
continuous
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Synonyms
abandon desert jilt dump forsake leave
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