to throw away / waste
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to throw away
To throw something in the trash because it is unusable, broken, or no longer needed. This is a colloquial expression.
Die Joghurtbecher sind leer, du kannst sie wegschmeißen.
The yogurt cups are empty; you can throw them away.
'Wegschmeißen' (to throw away) is a separable verb. The prefix 'weg-' comes at the end in a main clause. In a subordinate clause, the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes in the middle.
Ich schmeiße die alten Zeitungen weg.
I’m throwing the old newspapers away.
The verb 'wegschmeißen' (to throw away) belongs to colloquial language. It is very common in everyday life, but in formal texts or conversations you would more likely use 'wegwerfen' (to throw away) or 'entsorgen' (to dispose of).
Soll ich den leeren Karton wegschmeißen?
Should I throw away the empty cardboard box?
Whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended can be recognized from the object. If it refers to a concrete object, it is literal. If it refers to something abstract like a chance or money, it is meant figuratively.
Schmeiß die kaputte Tasse bitte weg. (wörtlich)
Please throw the broken cup away. (literal)
In the figurative meaning, 'wegschmeißen' (to waste) is often used with abstract nouns that represent value: 'eine Chance wegschmeißen' (to waste a chance), 'sein Talent wegschmeißen' (to waste one's talent), 'sein Leben wegschmeißen' (to throw one's life away), or 'Geld wegschmeißen' (to waste money).
Du hast so ein großes Talent, schmeiß es nicht einfach weg!
You have such great talent; don’t just throw it away!
to miss / to give
'verpassen' and 'wegschmeißen' can both have to do with an unused opportunity. You use 'verpassen' when you do not take an opportunity, often because you are too late or were not there. 'wegschmeißen' is more colloquial and sounds stronger: you had the chance, but used it badly or gave it up carelessly. The words can be confused because both ultimately mean that a possibility has been lost. 'verpassen' fits better with time and opportunities, while 'wegschmeißen' fits better with waste caused by one's own behavior.
Mit dieser schlechten Vorbereitung hat sie ihre Chance auf den Job weggeschmissen.
With such poor preparation, she threw away her chance at the job.
Weil sein Handy aus war, hat Paul den wichtigen Anruf verpasst.
Because his phone was off, Paul missed the important call.