Definition
a harsh and aggressive verbal confrontation
Examples
1) When I innocently mentioned her mistake, she immediately jumped down my
throat, accusing me of trying to undermine her.
2) When I asked my boss for a day off, he immediately jumped down my throat,
criticizing my commitment to work.
Etymology
It likely originates from the physical act of thrusting something down
another person's throat.
Synonyms
berate, blast
- englishdaily626.com [edited]
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I first heard this phrase from the movie You've Got Mail on my first flight out
of China, 26 years ago.
JOE
We are going to buy out their entire inventory
of architecture and New York history for the
new store.
NELSON
How much, son. How much are your paying?
JOE
Well, whatever it costs, it won't be as much as
that exquisitely uncomfortable mohair episode there,
which is now all over my suit.
NELSON (throwing to JOE the lint roller)
Here you go.
JOE
Thanks. We are also going to have a section dedicated just
to writers who've lived on the west side.
SCHUYLER
As a sop to the neighborhood.
NELSON
Perfect. It'll keep those West Side
liberal nut, pseudo-intellectuals, bleeding
hearts...
JOE
Readers, dad. They're called readers.
NELSON
Don't do that, son. Don't romanticize them. It'll keep
them from jumping down your throat.
But I don't remember using it, in writing or conversation. I didn't know
'mohair,' or 'bleeding hearts.' Even now, what does the 'episode' mean?
