throw the ladder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "throw the ladder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is physically throwing a ladder or metaphorically referring to providing assistance or support to someone in need. Example: "In a moment of desperation, he decided to throw the ladder to his friend who was stranded on the roof."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This idea became famous through another comparison Sextus uses (invoked by Wittgenstein (1922) 6.54): the skeptical pronouncements are like a ladder that one climbs up; once one is on top, one can throw the ladder away (M 8.481).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Similarly disposable, but neatly timed for Halloween, is jaunty high-school horrorcom All Cheerleaders Die (Spirit, 18), in which undead pom-pom princesses throw the classroom social ladder (and the genre's gender politics) out of whack; it's a clever little exercise, though its laughs and jolts alike are on the modest side.

The Guardian - Film

Wittgenstein's own metaphorical injunction, that the reader must throw away the ladder once he has climbed it, does not seem to resolve the difficulty, since it implies that the reader's climb up the ladder actually gets him somewhere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ropes are thrown, and the ladder is lowered.

The Guardian

He once again said his prayers, and was then thrown off the ladder.

Wikipedia

This isn't a game of snakes and ladders where you throw the wrong dice and end up at the shallow end of the Third Division.

BBC

On Feb. 12, 1994, as the Winter Olympics opened in Norway, two men drove up to the museum, threw a ladder against the wall, climbed up to a window, smashed it with a hammer, entered and emerged 50 seconds later with the painting.

The New York Times - Arts

"Here, they all need to be able to throw a ladder and carry someone over their shoulders".

Los Angeles Times

If you wanted to throw yourself further up the ladder, then you sort of had to bow down to him, so to speak".

Vice

I threw the tobacco away.

BMC Family Practice

He went on: "The assault boats of the Naval Commando were supposed to approach the sides of the ship, to throw ladders and to put a few dozen more fighters on the lower decks.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "throw the ladder" to illustrate a situation where something is useful only temporarily, and is discarded once its purpose is fulfilled. For philosophical discussions, such as referencing Wittgenstein's ideas, this metaphor can add depth.

Common error

Avoid using "throw the ladder" when a more straightforward expression of gratitude or acknowledgement of past assistance is appropriate. The phrase is metaphorical and should not be used in literal contexts or where the nuance of discarding a helpful tool is absent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "throw the ladder" primarily functions as a metaphor, often used to illustrate the concept of discarding something after it has served its purpose. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in philosophical contexts, referencing Wittgenstein's idea of discarding methods once understanding is achieved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "throw the ladder" is a metaphorical expression often used to describe discarding something after it has served its purpose. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct, but rarely used. It appears in philosophical and news contexts, conveying the idea of progression and the irrelevance of initial steps once a goal is achieved. Ludwig AI's response confirms its usability while emphasizing the need for contextual appropriateness. While there are alternative phrases, this one is particularly useful for highlighting the concept of something being temporarily useful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discard the means

Focuses on getting rid of the tools or methods used after achieving a goal.

outgrow the necessity

Emphasizes that something is no longer needed because progress has surpassed it.

transcend the origins

Highlights moving beyond initial conditions or limitations.

move beyond the basics

Indicates progressing from fundamental elements to more advanced stages.

leave behind the support

Highlights the act of abandoning the aid or assistance that was once necessary.

graduate from the system

Suggests completing a stage and no longer requiring the structure it provided.

abandon the framework

Focuses on leaving behind the structure or support system.

relinquish the aid

Emphasizes giving up help or assistance.

jettison the crutch

Implies discarding something that was previously relied upon for support.

surpass the foundation

Highlights exceeding the original basis or starting point.

FAQs

What does "throw the ladder" mean in a philosophical context?

In philosophy, particularly when referencing Wittgenstein, "throw the ladder" signifies discarding the methods or tools used to reach a conclusion once that conclusion is understood. The initial steps are no longer necessary or relevant.

How can I use "throw the ladder" in a sentence?

You might say, "After mastering the basics of coding, it's time to "move beyond the basics" and, metaphorically, "throw the ladder" used for initial learning."

Is "throw the ladder" an idiom?

While not a widely recognized idiom, "throw the ladder" is used metaphorically, particularly in philosophical discussions, to describe the act of discarding something after it has served its purpose. It's similar to the idea of "discarding the means" once the end is achieved.

What's a more common way to express the idea of no longer needing something after it has served its purpose?

Alternatives include "outgrow the need", "move beyond", or phrases that emphasize surpassing initial limitations. These alternatives are less metaphorical and may be more suitable for general use.