throw a feast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw a feast" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone having a large event or party, especially one that is extravagantly prepared. For instance, you could say, "She decided to throw a feast for her husband's 50th birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You have any number of prehistoric civilizations using this time of year to get together and throw a feast, but in the year 274, Roman emperor Aurelian focused the date a bit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

When President Kwame Nkrumah threw a feast to celebrate Dorothy, Thomas was hailed as her equal.

The Guardian - Books

It's about killing all the robots, converting their vaults into a multi-level farm, and throwing a feast for everyone who shows up.

The Guardian - Tech

Last Tuesday, the country's top disciplinary body dismissed six functionaries, including a neighborhood party chief who spent $63,000 to entertain 80 colleagues at a seaside resort, and a county official who marked the opening of new administrative offices by throwing a feast for 290 people.

The New York Times

Herod threw a feast, got roaring drunk, and when his young stepdaughter danced, he was deeply moved, as drunks so often are, and offered her her heart's desire, and she, consulting with Mom (the brother's wife, now Herod's), asked for John's head on a platter, and — voila!

The New York Times

Another alternative is to ask a restaurant that you love to throw a wedding feast.

WikiHow

What they most expect from campaigners, he laments, is lavish hospitality.In the highlands the richest candidates throw a traditional Melanesian feast called a mumu, in which huge quantities of food, including whole pigs, are baked on hot stones placed in long trenches.

The Economist

He said that he had killed two water buffalos and made a special lunch to celebrate the referendum and then had thrown a larger feast for the men who returned to the area from jail.

The New Yorker

After winning the lottery, Babette throws a lavish feast for the townspeople.

Huffington Post

"The celebratory nature regarding the eclipse brings to my mind the Babylonian King Belshazzar who threw a drunken feast the night the Medes and Persians crept under the city gate.

Huffington Post

There was considerable opposition, the commissioners being menaced by around 300 local people; for whom the abbot, rushing back, threw an impromptu feast complete with roasted ox.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "throw a feast", consider the context. It suggests a celebratory atmosphere and a significant amount of food, so it's suitable for describing events like weddings, holidays, or large parties. Be sure that the situation involves more than just a simple meal.

Common error

Avoid using "throw a feast" to describe a small or casual meal. The phrase implies extravagance and abundance, so applying it to a simple dinner can sound exaggerated or humorous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw a feast" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of hosting a large, celebratory meal. Ludwig shows this phrase used in varied contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "throw a feast" is a valid and relatively common phrase used to describe hosting a large, celebratory meal. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct. The phrase carries a sense of abundance and festivity, suitable for describing events ranging from holiday gatherings to special celebrations. While it's generally neutral to informal in tone, it is crucial to avoid using it for small or casual meals, as this can sound exaggerated. Alternatives like "host a dinner party" or "have a get-together" may be more appropriate in less extravagant situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange a feast

Focuses on the preparatory actions for the meal.

host a banquet

Focuses on the formal and elaborate nature of the meal.

give a banquet

Emphasizes the act of providing the elaborate meal.

lay out a feast

Emphasizes the presentation and abundance of the food.

hold a reception

Highlights the welcoming aspect of the event, often after a ceremony.

lay on a spread

Suggests a generous and informal display of food.

put on a spread

Similar to 'lay on a spread', but with a more active tone.

organize a celebration

Shifts the focus from the meal itself to the overall festive event.

have a get-together

Simplifies the event to a casual social gathering.

throw a party

Broadens the scope to any kind of social gathering, not necessarily food-focused.

FAQs

How can I use "throw a feast" in a sentence?

You can use "throw a feast" to describe hosting a large, celebratory meal. For example, "They decided to "throw a feast" to celebrate their anniversary."

What is a less formal alternative to "throw a feast"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using phrases like "host a dinner party" or "have a get-together". These options convey a social meal without the implication of extravagance.

Is it correct to say "make a feast" instead of "throw a feast"?

While "make a feast" is grammatically correct, it focuses more on the preparation of the food, whereas ""throw a feast"" emphasizes the act of hosting and celebrating with a large meal.

What's the difference between "throw a feast" and "host a banquet"?

"Host a banquet" typically implies a more formal and structured event, often with assigned seating and a specific program. "Throw a feast" can be more general and less rigid in its structure.