throw something back

throw back

1. To toss something in order to return it. A noun or pronoun is used between "throw" and "back." He tried to throw the ball back to the others across the river, but it landed in the water instead. I reeled in the fish, but it was too small so I threw it back.
2. To cast, fling, or jerk something backward. A noun or pronoun can be used between "throw" and "back." She threw her head back and howled with laughter. I threw back my arm so he couldn't reach the book in my hand.
3. To obstruct, hinder, or delay the progress of someone or something. A noun or pronoun is used between "throw" and "back." That computer virus wiped out our data and threw our project back by nearly a month. He was supposed to arrive by 9, but the traffic jam threw him back a bit.
4. To drink something very quickly or in one swig, especially an alcoholic beverage. A noun or pronoun can be used between "throw" and "back." I'm not surprised you feel so horrible, judging by the way you were throwing back drinks last night. Let me just throw this back, and I'll be ready to go.
See also: back, throw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

throw something back

tv. to eat or drink something. Jed threw back a quick snort and went on with his complaining.
See also: back, something, throw
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • cut back
  • choke back
  • brush back
  • claw back
  • bring back
  • chop back
  • buck off
  • be/go back to square one
  • come back and see us
  • back to square one
References in periodicals archive
"If we do anything then we would have a bad reputation if we had to throw something back but they can do it for 90 minutes.
THE FIGHT CLUBS; WELL v CELTIC WAR OF WORDS HOTS UP Brown: I was pelted with coins Moult is accused of taking dive Vandals wreck Fir Park seats Well seek answers off refs' chiefs CLUBS' WAR OF WORDS
You have to throw something back at them, give them problems they have to answer themselves.
Whole Roux ball game; RUGBY UNION - INTERNATIONALS: SOUTH AFRICA 38 WALES 16; WELSH MUST MAKE RADICAL CHANGES AFTER BOKS FULL-BACK'S MASTERCLASS FAST SHOW:
I look for style, execution, and the ability to pick up steps and throw something back at me.
What are they thinking? Choreographers an their dancers, their inspirations, and why na Piece is ever finished
"So at least it will be good to get back to doing panto and that way you can get involved with the audience, especially when someone shouts up you can throw something back. It's great craic."
CHRISTMAS MAY; .. but comic John is too tired with panto to enjoy it
Spokesperson Jim Esser says his station invests in its own children's programming out of "the belief that we have to throw something back into the community." In most cases, however, according to Annenberg, "Local broadcasters believe that their communities do not care about their children's educational programming efforts." WBZ-TV News Director Peter Brown maintains, "When our signal goes out at eleven o'clock on Saturday morning [with CBS programs], WBZ is doing children's programming....
Unintended Consequences
"It sounds horrible and immature but it was nice to score - it's nice to throw something back to the fans who have been howling at me.
Lee backs ref over one that got away
"He's got something to say about everything so the best thing is to throw something back at him," says Jade.
How Dirty Dance duo set a great Example