Throw somebody to the dogs
phrase
To abandon someone or allow them to be harmed when they are in trouble.
His partner threw him to the dogs to save himself from being prosecuted.
Often appears as...
- he was thrown to the dogs
- don't throw me to the dogs
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To abandon someone or allow them to be harmed when they are in trouble.
His partner threw him to the dogs to save himself from being prosecuted.
Often appears as...
- he was thrown to the dogs
- don't throw me to the dogs
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
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.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative 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.
Pro Tip 3/3Vulnerable 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.
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