Throw somebody to the wolves

usgb
idiom

To abandon or betray someone in a difficult situation, leaving them to their own fate without any help.

Not knowing anyone else in the city, when I moved here I felt like my friends just threw me to the wolves.
Visual representation of "throw somebody to the wolves" - To abandon or betray someone in a difficult situation, leaving them to their own fate without any help.

Often appears as...

  • feel thrown to the wolves
  • being thrown to the wolves

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "throw somebody to the wolves"
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Negative Connotation

Indicates betrayal or neglect, often seen as a harsh or unjust action.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
He felt his colleagues threw him to the wolves during the meeting.
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Difficult Circumstances

Used when someone is left to deal with tough situations without support.

Illustration for Difficult Circumstances
Without training, the new hire was thrown to the wolves.
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Survival Imagery

Evokes the idea of being left in a dangerous situation, like among predatory animals.

Illustration for Survival Imagery
In the jungle of high school politics, freshmen are often thrown to the wolves.
Visual representation of the word "Throw somebody to the wolves"

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