leave someone high and dry
To abandon somebody; to stop providing assistance at a crucial moment.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My friend left me high and dry without any money.”
“The company fired him suddenly, leaving him high and dry just before his rent was due.”
“By withdrawing his financial support at the final hour, the investor left the struggling startup high and dry, forcing them to close their doors.”
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
Last updated August 10, 2026