The phrase "thrown to the wolves" is spelled phonetically as /θrəʊn tʊ ðə wʊlvz/. The first syllable is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative sound /ð/ and the second syllable has a long vowel sound /oʊ/. The final sound of the word "wolves" is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative sound /vz/. This phrase refers to the act of abandoning someone who is vulnerable and allowing them to face a difficult situation alone without any help or support.
Thrown to the wolves is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation in which someone is deliberately or ruthlessly abandoned or sacrificed to face a dangerous or difficult circumstance alone, without any kind of support or protection. The phrase draws an analogy to a scenario where a person is figuratively thrown into a pack of wolves, symbolizing the hostile and predatory nature of the situation they are left to deal with.
When an individual is thrown to the wolves, it typically implies that they are left to face formidable and intimidating challenges without any help or resources. They are expected to fend for themselves, tackling obstacles that may seem insurmountable or overwhelming. This expression often carries a sense of unfairness or betrayal, as the person is cast aside despite previously being part of a team, group, or organization.
This phrase can apply to a variety of contexts, such as a novice being forced to confront highly experienced opponents in a competitive environment, an employee being blamed for a situation they had no control over, or a scapegoat being sacrificed to protect others from the consequences of their actions.
In essence, being thrown to the wolves implies a state of vulnerability and abandonment, whereby an individual is left to face perilous circumstances alone.