# granny dumping

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/granny-dumping
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The abandonment of an elderly relative in a public place, e.g. a hospital.

## Examples

- The hospital staff reported the case of granny dumping to the police.
- Social workers are concerned about the rise in granny dumping, where families leave elderly relatives at emergency rooms without returning.
- The legal system struggles to address the moral crisis of granny dumping, as it remains difficult to prosecute families who abandon their vulnerable elders in public facilities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.