Throw someone to the wolves: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Throw someone to the wolves” mean?

"Throw someone to the wolves" means to abandon or sacrifice someone, usually for personal gain or to avoid trouble.

What context can I use the in?

Example

When the scandal broke, he threw his assistant to the wolves to protect his own reputation.

Example

The CEO decided to throw the intern to the wolves when the project failed.

Example

In order to save himself, he threw his business partner to the wolves during the investigation

Is “Throw someone to the wolves” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Throw someone to the wolves” 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 to the wolves” effectively in context?

You can use "Throw someone to the wolves" to describe the act of abandoning or sacrificing someone, usually for personal gain or to avoid trouble. It implies a lack of loyalty or willingness to protect others. For example, if a manager blames a subordinate for a mistake they both made, you might say, 'He threw his colleague to the wolves to save his own reputation.'

• 1. Workplace

  When the scandal broke, he threw his assistant to the wolves to protect his own reputation.

• 2. Internship

  The CEO decided to throw the intern to the wolves when the project failed.

• 3. Business Partnership

  In order to save himself, he threw his business partner to the wolves during the investigation.

Similar phrases to “Throw someone to the wolves”:

Sacrifice someone

To abandon or betray someone for personal gain or to avoid trouble

Example

He sacrificed his friend to save himself from punishment.

Leave someone hanging

To abandon or neglect someone in a difficult situation

Example

She left her team hanging when she quit without notice.

Sell someone out

To betray or expose someone's secrets or wrongdoing for personal gain

Example

He sold out his partner to get a better deal for himself.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Throw someone to the wolves” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Throw someone to the wolves" is unknown.

Is “Throw someone to the wolves” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Throw someone to the wolves" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to criticize someone's lack of loyalty or willingness to protect others.

What tone does “Throw someone to the wolves” have?

"Throw someone to the wolves" conveys a tone of betrayal and selfishness. It is typically used to express disapproval or criticism towards someone who abandons or sacrifices others for personal gain.

Can “Throw someone to the wolves” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Throw someone to the wolves" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of betrayal and sacrifice. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to throw his colleague to the wolves to protect himself.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really threw her to the wolves!' to imply betrayal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• betray someone
• abandon someone
• stab someone in the back
• turn one's back on someone
• leave someone high and dry

Antonyms

• stand up for someone
• protect someone
• defend someone
• support someone
• have someone's back