throw to the lions

Betray without protection

To throw someone to the lions is to abandon them to harsh criticism, punishment, or a hostile situation without protection or support.

The phrase evokes the Roman practice of executing condemned prisoners by exposing them to wild animals in the arena.

When the scandal broke, the company threw their spokesperson to the lions.

A variant is feed to the lions.

Related

scapegoat · sacrifice · martyr · trial by fire · Daniel · betrayal · persecution · Roman gladiators · blood sport · abandonment · peril · hung out to dry · left for dead · humiliation · public spectacle · public shaming · defenselessness · jeopardy

Opposites
protection versus abandonment

throw to the lionsrescue

Save from harm

defend · protect · shield · save · safeguard

loyalty versus betrayal

throw to the lionsstand by

Remain ready to assist

stand up for · stick up for · back up · stand behind · vouch for

support versus sabotage

throw to the lionsequip

Supply with necessities

empower

Family

throw, throws, threw, thrown, throwing, thrower, throwers, lion, lions

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG