throw aside: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘throw aside’ mean?

The idiom "throw aside" means to disregard or ignore something or someone, usually in a careless or dismissive manner.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding Discarded Possessions

The idiom "throw aside" is a widely used phrase in the English language. It is derived from the literal act of discarding or getting rid of something by throwing it away. However, in its idiomatic usage, it takes on a figurative meaning. When using the idiom "throw aside," it implies a lack of regard or respect for the subject being thrown aside. It suggests a casual or careless attitude, where little thought or consideration is given to the consequences of discarding or dismissing the matter at hand.

The origins of the idiom "throw aside" can be traced back to the use of the verb "throw" as a metaphorical representation of actions performed forcefully or haphazardly. By combining "throw" with "aside," which means to cast something away or put it out of the way, the idiomatic expression "throw aside" was formed.

"Throw aside" can be found in various contexts, such as in conversations, literature, and even in professional settings. It can be used to describe situations where someone intentionally disregards or ignores something, or where a particular idea or opinion is rejected without proper consideration.

The idiom "throw aside" can have different connotations depending on the context in which it is employed. While it may imply a lack of respect or importance in certain situations, it can also signify a deliberate choice to reject or discard something deemed redundant or unimportant.

Put aside the discarded items and neglect the rest.

Similar to the idiom "throw aside," the idiom "cast aside" also conveys the idea of dismissing or disregarding something or someone. However, "cast aside" implies a more deliberate or intentional act of putting something or someone aside.

Another related idiom is "sweep aside." Like "throw aside" and "cast aside," "sweep aside" suggests a dismissive attitude or action towards something or someone. It conveys the idea of quickly and forcefully removing or discarding something without much thought or consideration.

"wave away" is another idiom that shares similarities with "throw aside." It suggests the act of dismissing or disregarding something by waving it away, as if it were an insignificant or trivial matter.

"throw to the wind" is an idiom that expresses a more extreme form of disregard or abandonment. It conveys the idea of completely abandoning or discarding something without any concern for the consequences.

The idiom "turn one's back" also relates to "throw aside." It suggests the act of deliberately ignoring or rejecting something or someone by turning away from them. It conveys a sense of indifference or disregard.

The idiom "throw aside" is a versatile phrase that is commonly used in the English language. It embodies a sense of indifference, carelessness, or dismissal towards a subject, often without thoughtful deliberation. The related idioms "cast aside," "sweep aside," "wave away," "throw to the wind," and "turn one's back" share similarities with "throw aside" in conveying the idea of dismissing or disregarding something or someone. However, each idiom has its own nuances and connotations that should be considered in their specific contexts.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *throw aside* can be used in a sentence:

  1. I decided to throw aside my worries and enjoy the party.
  2. She threw aside her old notes and started studying from scratch.
  3. He threw aside his doubts and took a leap of faith.

More "Disregard" idioms

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