Cool MateBetray vs Toss him to the dogs
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Betray
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Toss him to the dogs
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BetrayMost common: Betray
| Betray | Toss him to the dogs | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɪˈtreɪ//🇺🇸 //bɪˈtreɪ// | 🇬🇧 //tɒs hɪm tə ðə dɒɡz//🇺🇸 //tɔs hɪm tə ðə dɔɡz// |
| Meaning | to be disloyal or break trust | To give someone up to danger or neglect. |
| Example | She felt that her best friend would never betray her trust. | He felt his colleagues would just toss him to the dogs during the crisis. |
| Register | Formal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | betray someone's trust, betray a confidence, betray an ally, betray one's country, betray one's beliefs | toss someone aside, toss to danger, toss into neglect |
| Antonyms | loyalty, faithfulness | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'betrayal' which is a noun., Using it without a clear object; it needs something/someone to betray., Mixing up emotional contexts; 'betray' often carries heavy emotional significance. | Confused with 'throw him to the dogs,' which means the same., Using in formal contexts where a softer expression is needed., Misinterpreting the phrase as literal instead of idiomatic. |
| Usage notes | Generally used in formal contexts, it refers to a breach of trust. Avoid in casual conversations. | Used in informal contexts to imply abandoning someone in a harsh situation. Not suitable for formal writing or serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Betray vs Toss him to the dogs
What's the difference between Betray and Toss him to the dogs?
Betray: to be disloyal or break trust Toss him to the dogs: To give someone up to danger or neglect.
Which is more formal: Betray and Toss him to the dogs?
Betray is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Betray and Toss him to the dogs?
Betray is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Betray: She felt that her best friend would never betray her trust. Toss him to the dogs: He felt his colleagues would just toss him to the dogs during the crisis.
Can I use Betray and Toss him to the dogs interchangeably?
Not always. Betray and Toss him to the dogs are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.