An idiom meaning to waste or ruin something (e.g., efforts, life, opportunities); to throw away what was invested.
彼はギャンブルで大学の学費を棒に振ってしまった。
He wasted his university tuition on gambling.
そんな危ない賭けをして人生を棒に振るな。
Don't throw your life away by taking such a risky gamble.
せっかくのチャンスを棒に振らないようにしよう。
Let's not waste this valuable opportunity.
仕事を怠けてキャリアを棒に振るわけにはいかない。
I can't afford to ruin my career by slacking off at work.