Meaning trap
throw away
waste an opportunity
To fail to use a chance or opportunity, often by making a mistake or not trying.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To fail to use a chance or opportunity, often by making a mistake or not trying.
Another meaning of 'throw away' is 'discard'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She threw away her chance to study abroad by missing the application deadline.
Many people regret throwing away opportunities when they were younger, especially related to education or career.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Throw away' captures wasting a chance carelessly; 'squander' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
throw away + chance
- a chance
- the opportunity
- your future
- your money
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- throw away (discard) — Another meaning of 'throw away' is 'discard'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.