To throw the game

Meaning

To intentionally lose a game, often for reasons of gambling or bribery.

Examples

• John: I heard there were rumors of match-fixing.
• Alice: Yes, there's speculation that the team captain tried <b>to throw the game</b>.
• John: That's shocking. What were their motives?
• Alice: It's believed they were pressured <b>to throw the game</b> due to significant gambling debts.