throw down

To drop something you are holding, often with a strong movement.

• Throw down your weapon!
• He threw down his cards in anger.
• She had thrown her coat down on the floor.

How to use it: throw something down (She threw her bag down beside the door.)

Similar words: drop, fling down

Opposites: pick up

Common phrases: throw down weapons, throw down something, throw down cards

To fight someone or stand up firmly against them.

• Are you ready to throw down?
• They threw down outside the club.
• She refused to throw down over a minor insult.

How to use it: throw down with someone (He was ready to throw down with anyone who threatened his friends.)

Similar words: fight, brawl, stand up to

Common phrases: throw down outside, throw down with someone

To create or perform something with great skill, energy, or success.

• The DJ threw down some amazing beats.
• She can really throw down onstage.
• Our dancers threw down an unforgettable performance.

How to use it: throw down something (The drummer threw down a powerful beat.)

Similar words: perform brilliantly, deliver

Common phrases: throw down beats, throw down something, throw down onstage

To give money or do your part to help a group effort.

• We all threw down for dinner.
• Can you throw down five dollars?
• Several local musicians threw down a track each for the album.

How to use it: throw down for something (We each threw down for the pizza.); throw down something (Everyone threw down ten dollars.)

Similar words: chip in, contribute

Common phrases: throw down money, throw down something, throw down for something

To drink a lot of something very quickly.

• He threw down a whole pint.
• They were throwing down beers at the bar.
• Don’t throw down so much wine so quickly.

How to use it: throw something down (He threw three beers down before dinner.)

Similar words: down, gulp down, knock back

Common phrases: throw down beer, throw down drinks, throw down something