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in the throes of

idiom

Definition of in the throes of

: experiencing (something painful)

She met him while he was in the throes of a messy divorce.

Word by Word Definitions

throe play throes

: pang, spasm
: a hard or painful struggle

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WORD OF THE DAY

traduce

play

to lower or disgrace the reputation of

Words at Play

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

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Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

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Where 'Cliff-hangers' Come From

You're on the edge of your seat

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2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

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