jump down someone's throat
English
WOTD – 19 September 2011
Alternative forms
- climb down someone's throat
- leap down someone's throat
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
jump down someone's throat (third-person singular simple present jumps down someone's throat, present participle jumping down someone's throat, simple past and past participle jumped down someone's throat)
- (idiomatic) To criticise with excessive and unexpected harshness.
- Try to remember next time, but don’t fret — I won’t jump down your throat if you forget.
- 2006, Larry Rice, The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice: Forms and Procedures for the Lawyer, 3rd edition, page 266:
- Opposing counsel has a right to question you, and if you respond with smart talk or give evasive answers, opposing counsel may jump down your throat.
- 2007, Michael Bennett, Bent, page 103:
- ‘Thanks, Jean,’ he said. ‘Mike I'm sorry. I didn't mean to jump down your throat. Thanks for the advice. I will be careful.’
- 2009, Shiela Stewart, Embracing the Darkness: Darkness Series, Book 3, page 59:
- “I'm sorry I jumped on you — jumped down your throat,” he amended, feeling like a complete idiot.
Translations
criticise with excessive and unexpected harshness
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