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?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
When the scandal broke, he threw his assistant to the wolves to protect his own reputation.
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.
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
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.'
- 1Workplace
When the scandal broke, he threw his assistant to the wolves to protect his own reputation.
When the scandal broke, he threw his assistant to the wolves to protect his own reputation.
- 2Internship
The CEO decided to throw the intern to the wolves when the project failed.
The CEO decided to throw the intern to the wolves when the project failed.
- 3Business Partnership
In order to save himself, he threw his business partner to the wolves during the investigation.
In order to save himself, he threw his business partner to the wolves during the investigation.
Similar phrases to “Throw someone to the wolves”:
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
