throw something back

throw back

1. To toss something in order to return it. A noun or pronoun is used between "throw" and "back." He tried to throw the ball back to the others across the river, but it landed in the water instead. I reeled in the fish, but it was too small so I threw it back.

2. To cast, fling, or jerk something backward. A noun or pronoun can be used between "throw" and "back." She threw her head back and howled with laughter. I threw back my arm so he couldn't reach the book in my hand.

3. To obstruct, hinder, or delay the progress of someone or something. A noun or pronoun is used between "throw" and "back." That computer virus wiped out our data and threw our project back by nearly a month. He was supposed to arrive by 9, but the traffic jam threw him back a bit.

4. To drink something very quickly or in one swig, especially an alcoholic beverage. A noun or pronoun can be used between "throw" and "back." I'm not surprised you feel so horrible, judging by the way you were throwing back drinks last night. Let me just throw this back, and I'll be ready to go.

See also: back, throw

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

throw something back

tv. to eat or drink something. Jed threw back a quick snort and went on with his complaining.

See also: back, something, throw

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.