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throw away — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
throw away
discardwaste an opportunity

Meaning 1 · most common

discard

  • throw sth away

To get rid of something you do not want or need by putting it in the trash.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I threw away all the old magazines last weekend.

A: Do you want this broken chair?
B: No, just throw it away.

Common mistake

Not: I threw away it.

Say: I threw it away.

With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'throw it away'.

More on “discard”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I see food in the fridge that's gone bad, I usually throw it away to avoid getting sick.

Tell it apart

I threw the receipt away.

  • binned it

I threw away a great chance.

  • wasted it — sense

Goes with

  • throw away + rubbish
Practice saying this
Next meaning: waste an opportunity

Meaning 2

waste an opportunity

  • throw away sth

To fail to use a chance or opportunity, often by making a mistake or not trying.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

She threw away her chance to study abroad by missing the application deadline.

A: Did you apply for that job?
B: No, I forgot. I guess I threw away a great opportunity.

Common mistake

Not: Don't throw away your future away.

Say: Don't throw your future away.

Don't double 'away'; with a noun object it can go either side.

More on “waste an opportunity”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many people regret throwing away opportunities when they were younger, especially related to education or career.

Tell it apart

Don't throw this chance away.

  • waste it

Don't throw the ticket away.

  • bin it — sense

Goes with

  • throw away + chance
Practice saying this
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discardwaste an opportunity