throw dirt on
The phrase "throw dirt on" can have both metaphorical and literal meanings, depending on the context in which it is used.
Definition
B2General
(informal, idiomatic)To criticize or speak ill of someone, often to damage their reputation.
Example
- They always throw dirt on their competitors to make themselves look better.
- Don't throw dirt on him just because you're jealous of his success.
B2Funeral
(cultural, ritual)To participate in a burial ritual by throwing soil onto a coffin, symbolizing the deceased's return to the earth.
Example
- During the ceremony, each family member took turns to throw dirt on the coffin.
- It's a tradition in many cultures to throw dirt on the grave as a final farewell.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "throw dirt on":
throw dirteat dirthit the dirtkick up dustpermanent dirtdig downthrow shadebeat the dustdump ondirt farmerthrow to the dogsshit onthrow downdig outdig indrop someone in itshovel outdig onlick the dustdust offtalk trashmuddy upkick into the long grassdig upmud output in the groundrun into the groundthrow overthrow onmud fightthrow something in someone's facepay dirthaul one's ashes