toss a bone to somebody

== English == === Etymology === An allusion to the act of throwing a bone as food to a hungry dog. === Pronunciation === === Verb === throw a bone to (third-person singular simple present throws a bone to, present participle throwing a bone to, simple past threw a bone to, past participle thrown a bone to) (idiomatic) To provide support or assistance to, especially in one particular way or to a limited extent; to make a concession to. Alternative forms: toss a bone to, throw someone a bone Coordinate terms: throw someone a rope, give someone a hand, lend a hand