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Throw somebody a bone

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Small Reward

It means giving a small token of appreciation, often when more is desired or expected.

Illustration for Small Reward
After the team's hard work, the manager threw them a bone with a pizza lunch.
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Not Literal

The phrase is metaphorical and does not involve real bones.

Illustration for Not Literal
To keep the interns motivated, the company occasionally throws them a bone like a shout-out at meetings.
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Possibly Patronizing

It can sometimes suggest that the reward is insignificant and may not be received positively.

Illustration for Possibly Patronizing
The year-end bonus felt like the CEO was just throwing the employees a bone.
Visual representation of the word "Throw somebody a bone"

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