PhrasesHub

throw in

    Definitions

      • to include
        to add something as an extra or additional part of a deal or agreement

      • give up
        to quit or relinquish something, often in a negative or defeatist manner

    Examples of throw in

    • I'll throw in this PDF file as a bonus when you buy my e-book.

      This is an example of using "throw in" to offer an unexpected extra to someone who makes a purchase. In this case, the speaker is offering a PDF file as a bonus when someone buys their e-book.

    • She threw in a dessert for the group even though no one asked for one.

      This is an example of using "throw in" to describe someone who goes above and beyond what is expected. The speaker is saying that the person threw in a dessert for the group unexpectedly, even though no one had asked for one.

    • In the negotiation, we were expecting a lower price, but they threw in free shipping as well.

      This is an example of using "throw in" to describe someone offering something extra during a negotiation. In this case, the seller threw in free shipping as a bonus during the negotiation, which was unexpected and helped to secure the sale.

    • He threw in a few jokes to lighten the mood during the presentation.

      This is an example of using "throw in" to describe someone adding something unexpected to a situation. In this case, the speaker is saying that the person added a few jokes to lighten the mood during the presentation, which was unexpected but helped to make the presentation more engaging.

    • The coach threw in a new player during the final minutes of the game to give the team an advantage.

      In this example, "throw in" is being used as a verb to signify the coach's action of putting in a new player unexpectedly. This usage of the idiom is related to sports, particularly basketball, where a coach is allowed to replace a player who is already on the court with another player from the bench.

    • She threw in a quick compliment as she noticed my new hairstyle.

      Here, "throw in" is being used as a phrasal verb to mean randomly or unexpectedly adding something to a conversation. In this instance, the speaker added a compliment to the conversation without much planning or build-up. This usage is less related to sports and is used more generally in everyday conversation.

    • The sales representative threw in a free gift with the purchase of the product.

      In this example, "throw in" is being used as a phrasal verb to mean adding something extra, without requiring anything in return, to a transaction. This usage is commonly used in sales and marketing to encourage customers to make a purchase by presenting additional benefits.

    • He threw in a possibility of working remotely as an additional perk for the new position.

      Finally, "throw in" is being used here as a phrasal verb to mean adding something that was not initially planned or expected. In this situation, the speaker added the possibility of working remotely as an unexpected benefit for the new position, making the offer more attractive to the potential employee. This usage is becoming increasingly common in modern workplaces as more people seek flexible work arrangements.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "throw in" can have two distinct meanings. It can be used to indicate the act of including something as an additional part of a deal or agreement, or it can signify giving up or relinquishing something in a negative or defeatist manner.

    In the first sense, "throw in" is often used in business or negotiation contexts to add something extra to a deal, such as throwing in a bonus item or service to sweeten the agreement. In the second sense, it is used to express giving up or surrendering something, often with a sense of resignation or defeat.

    Origin of "throw in"

    The origin of the phrase "throw in" can be traced back to the idea of physically throwing something into a mix or a collection. When used in the context of adding something to a deal or agreement, it reflects the action of tossing something in as an additional component. In the sense of giving up or relinquishing, it conveys the image of discarding or casting aside something.

    The idiom has likely evolved from these literal actions to take on the figurative meanings it holds today. Its usage in English language has become widespread, and it is a versatile phrase that can be applied in various situations.