What does “Throw someone a line” mean?
"Throw someone a line" means to offer help or support to someone in a difficult situation.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When I was struggling with my homework, my friend threw me a line and explained the concepts to me.
Example
After losing my job, my family threw me a line and offered me a place to stay.
Example
When I was feeling overwhelmed with my workload, my colleague threw me a line and helped me prioritize my tasks
Is “Throw someone a line” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Throw someone a line” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Throw someone a line” effectively in context?
You can use "Throw someone a line" to describe offering assistance or support to someone who is in a challenging or difficult situation. It implies extending a helping hand to someone in need. For example, if a friend is struggling with a difficult task, you might say, 'Let me throw you a line and help you out.'
- 1Academic
When I was struggling with my homework, my friend threw me a line and explained the concepts to me.
- 2Personal
After losing my job, my family threw me a line and offered me a place to stay.
- 3Work
When I was feeling overwhelmed with my workload, my colleague threw me a line and helped me prioritize my tasks.
Similar phrases to “Throw someone a line”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Throw someone a line” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Throw someone a line" is unknown.
Is “Throw someone a line” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Throw someone a line" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe offering help or support to someone in need.
What tone does “Throw someone a line” have?
"Throw someone a line" conveys a tone of support and assistance. It's often used to show willingness to lend a helping hand and provide relief in difficult situations.
Can “Throw someone a line” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Throw someone a line" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of offering help or support. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional emails or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He threw me a line and offered to help with my project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "throw someone a line"!' to imply readiness to offer assistance.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- help out
- extend a hand
- offer support
- provide assistance
- give aid
Antonyms
- turn a blind eye
- ignore
- abandon
- leave in the lurch
- refuse assistance
