The phrase suggests betrayal or cruelty, implying someone is left defenseless. When the scandal broke out, the company's board threw the CEO to the dogs.
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Figurative Meaning
This idiom does not involve actual dogs; it's a metaphor for leaving someone to face problems alone. I studied for weeks, but during the debate, my team threw me to the dogs with no support.
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Vulnerable Position
The phrase is used when someone is put in a situation where they're likely to be attacked or criticized. As the youngest intern, I felt they threw me to the dogs in that high-pressure meeting.