Throw. Among slang and colloquial usages may be enumerated: To throw a levant = to make off: see Bunk; TO THROW A SOP TO CERBERUS (see Sop); to throw cold water = to discourage, 'to damp'; to throw dust (or pepper) in the eyes = to mislead, to dupe; to throw off = (1) to do or talk offhandedly: spec. to convey unpleasant allusions under a mask of pleasantry (Grose); (2) 'to brag of past booty' (thieves': Grose); (3) to discard; and (4) to start the pack (fox-hunters'); TO THROW ONESELF into = to do zealously; to throw out = to expel with violence; to throw over = to desert; to throw overboard = to abandon; TO THROW TOGETHER = (1) to do hastily, and (2) to bring together frequently: as 'their marriage came about through being THROWN much TOGETHER'; TO throw UP = to resign; to desist; to CHUCK up (q.v.); TO THROW UP THE SPONGE (see Sponge); to throw about = to seek an opportunity, to try expedients; to throw back = to revert; TO throw in for = to enter: as for a race; TO THROW TO THE DOGS = tO put aside as valueless; to throw OFF THE BELT = to Stop; TO have A throw AT = to attack; TO THROW SNOT ABOUT = to weep; to throw (or throw down) a paper (lesson, examination, etC.) = TO FLOOR (q.V.).
1591. Spenser, Mother Hubbard's Tale, 80. Now unto despaire I 'gin to growe, And meane for better winde ABOUT TO THROWE.
1698. Collier, Short View, 101. The Old Bachelour has a Throw at the Dissenting Ministers.
1712. Addison, Spectator, 105. I could not forbear throwing together such reflections as occurred to me on that subject.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Throwt. . . . To talk flash of robberies past, or in contemplation, when in company with family people, is also termed throwing off; meaning to banish all reserve, none but friends being present; also, to sing when called on by the company present.
1808. Trial Gen. Whitelocke (Mottley), II. 442. He had stated that I was throwing cold water on everything he did.
1809. Malkin, Gil Blas [Routledge], 168. Throwing to the dogs all the mental physic they poured in; they would have none of it.
1842-3. Thackeray, Fitz-Boodle's Confession. I at once threw up my hopes of military distinction, and retired into civil life.
1844. Disraeli, Coningsby. They say the Rads are going to throw us over.
1868. Whyte - Melville, White Rose, II. xi. A vast number of engagements, any of which . . . he was ready to throw over at a moment's notice.
1870. English Gilds (E.E.T.S.), Int. It would be well to throw his notes and materials into some shape.
1883. Mrs Bishop [Leis. Hour, 86. 2]. Who THREW COLD WATER On the idea.
1886. Dobson, Steele, Int. xxx. Often Addison's most brilliant efforts are built upon a chance hint thrown off at random by Steele's hurrying pen.
1891. Harry Fludyer, 98. These blessed exams, are getting awfully close now; but I think I shall floor mine, and Dick's sure to throw his examiners DOWN.
Throw the feet, verb. phr. (American tramps'). See quot.
1900. Josiah Flynt, Tramping with Tramps, 397. To beg, 'hustle,' or do anything that involves much action.
Throw-back, subs. phr. (common).—A set-back; a reversion; also to throw back = to revert to type.
