be thrown in the deep end
To be prompted or forced to begin doing something very complex and/or unfamiliar, especially suddenly and without guidance, assistance, or preparation. I had never worked in sales before, I was just thrown in the deep end! We were thrown into the deep end the first day of class when the lecturer asked us to write a 2,000-word essay on one of Shakespeare's plays. Those who go the furthest in life are the ones willing to be thrown in at the deep end when a great opportunity arises.
throw (something) into question
To cause something to be doubted, scrutinized, or a matter for serious discussion. These series of protests have thrown into question the ability of this government to remain in power. This reluctance to act is bound to throw your leadership skills into question.
throw a scare into (someone)
To unsettle, startle, or shock someone; to instill someone with fear or disquietude. Though heavily favored to lose the election, the Republican candidate's late surge in the polls is sure to have thrown a scare into the incumbent president's camp.
throw a sickie
To tell one's employer, truthfully or otherwise, that one is ill and unable to attend work. Primarily heard in UK. I'm going to have work the morning after my birthday party. Something tells me I'll be throwing a sickie that day!
throw a wobbly
To suddenly become very upset or intensely angry and make a big display of it. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. John threw a wobbly at work after the boss criticized his report. Needless to say, he won't be welcome back in the office on Monday.
throw discretion to the wind(s)
To act or behave recklessly and/or fearlessly, with no sense of restraint or propriety. (An older variant of the now more common "throw caution to the wind(s).") After my father won a bit of money at the race tracks, he began throwing discretion to the winds and ended up gambling away everything we had. You can't live life completely reserved, you know—you've got to throw discretion to the wind every now and then.
throw chunks
To vomit, especially violently or in great quantity. Everyone bought John so many drinks on his 21st birthday that he was throwing chunks before midnight. I felt like I was going to throw chunks from seasickness out on that boat.
throw (someone) off the trail
To misdirect someone away from his or her point of pursuit; to steer someone's investigation or suspicions in the wrong direction. The mafia accountant had been throwing the authorities off the trail of the mob's money laundering for years. My husband has some suspicions about our affair, but the trip I'm taking for work will throw him off the trail.
throw (one's) toys out of the pram
To behave in a petulantly upset or angry manner; to act like an angry child. Primarily heard in UK. Manchester United's star striker threw his toys out of the pram after he was ejected from the match for biting another player.
throw (one's) weight about
To assert oneself in a controlling, domineering, or authoritarian manner; to exercise one's position of authority, power, or influence, especially to an overbearing or excessive degree. (A variant of the more common "throw one's weight around.") An effective leader should inspire enough confidence in his or her team that they don't have to throw their weight about to get things done. I'm sick of Donald coming into these meetings and throwing his weight about. Can't he just leave us to our own devices?
throw (some) shapes
slang To dance, especially to popular music. Primarily heard in UK. If I've had a couple of drinks and the music is good, I can't help but throw some shapes on the dance floor. The flash mob started throwing shapes in the train station to classic 1970s disco tunes.
be thrown off balance
1. To be made unsteady, such that one may fall. I was thrown off balance on my roller skates when that dog rushed by me and knocked into my legs.
2. To be confused, upset, or taken aback (by something). I was rather thrown off balance when Jenny said she wanted to have a baby.