ENGLISH
REFERENCE

leave someone high and dry

idiom
Meaning

To abandon somebody; to stop providing assistance at a crucial moment.


Examples
SIMPLE

My friend left me high and dry without any money.

CONTEXTUAL

The company fired him suddenly, leaving him high and dry just before his rent was due.

COMPLEX

By withdrawing his financial support at the final hour, the investor left the struggling startup high and dry, forcing them to close their doors.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as if someone owns the place

    Alternative form of like someone owns the place.

  2. 02

    beat someone round the ears

    To beat (a person) with blows about the head.

  3. 03

    bless someone with

    To give or bestow, as a gift from God.

  4. 04

    bring someone to their knees

    To defeat and make submit to orders.

  5. 05

    call someone every name in the book

    To call someone many abusive names.

  6. 06

    call someone everything but a child of God

    To call someone many abusive names.

  7. 07

    catch someone napping

    To take advantage of someone's inattention.

  8. 08

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

Last updated April 17, 2026