Throw somebody/something overboard
phrase
Literally, to throw someone or something out of a boat into the water.
The crew had to throw some cargo overboard to prevent the ship from sinking.
Often appears as...
- throw cargo overboard
- throw excess weight overboard
phrase
Figuratively, to get rid of or abandon something or someone not useful or wanted any more.
The project was failing, so they threw the manager overboard and hired someone new.
Often appears as...
- throw concept overboard
- throw plan overboard
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Literally, to throw someone or something out of a boat into the water.
The crew had to throw some cargo overboard to prevent the ship from sinking.
Often appears as...
- throw cargo overboard
- throw excess weight overboard
phrase
Figuratively, to get rid of or abandon something or someone not useful or wanted any more.
The project was failing, so they threw the manager overboard and hired someone new.
Often appears as...
- throw concept overboard
- throw plan overboard
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Action
Used when drastic measures are required to solve a critical problem, like to prevent a disaster.
To stop the flooding, they had to throw the damaged equipment overboard.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage
Originates from maritime practices, symbolizing the need for immediate, decisive action.
Pirates would often throw captives overboard if they were seen as a threat.
Pro Tip 3/3Literally Physical
Involves physically removing something tangible, not just concepts or ideas.
In the storm, we had to throw the anchors overboard to stabilize the ship.
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Action
Used when drastic measures are required to solve a critical problem, like to prevent a disaster.
To stop the flooding, they had to throw the damaged equipment overboard.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage
Originates from maritime practices, symbolizing the need for immediate, decisive action.
Pirates would often throw captives overboard if they were seen as a threat.
Pro Tip 3/3Literally Physical
Involves physically removing something tangible, not just concepts or ideas.
In the storm, we had to throw the anchors overboard to stabilize the ship.
Pro Tip 1/3Emergency Action
Used when drastic measures are required to solve a critical problem, like to prevent a disaster.
To stop the flooding, they had to throw the damaged equipment overboard.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Usage
Originates from maritime practices, symbolizing the need for immediate, decisive action.
Pirates would often throw captives overboard if they were seen as a threat.
Pro Tip 3/3Literally Physical
Involves physically removing something tangible, not just concepts or ideas.
In the storm, we had to throw the anchors overboard to stabilize the ship.
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