throw (one) a lifeline

throw (one) a lifeline

To give someone help or a means of dealing with a problematic or dangerous situation, especially if they are desperate or are unlikely to succeed on their own. The 12-month grace period is the IRS throwing companies and individuals whose taxes are in arrears a lifeline. I could see that he was really upset about being late to the appointment, so I threw him a lifeline and rescheduled him for later that day.

See also: lifeline, throw