Definition of the word throw over

The phrase "throw over" has its origins in the equestrian world. In the 15th century, the term "overthrow" was used to describe a horse that fell heavily to the ground, throwing its rider off in the process. The "over" in "overthrow" refers to the horse falling over, while the second part, "throw," refers to the rider being violently thrown from the horse's back. Over time, the term "overthrow" evolved to mean removing or replacing someone in power. In the case of horses, a rider might be "thrown over" if the horse unexpectedly bucked or stumbled, causing the rider to lose balance and be thrown from the saddle. This came to be associated with the removal of a leader from power, as in the expression "throw over a government" or "throw over a lover." Despite its origins, "throw over" is not typically used to describe horses anymore - instead, horse enthusiasts use more specific terms like "bucked off" or "unseated" to describe this kind of fall. But in everyday English, "throw over" continues to be used to suggest a sudden or drastic change, whether it be the ending of a relationship or the removal of a political leader.