pull the rug out from under
To suddenly remove support from.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My boss pulled the rug out from under me by cancelling the project.”
“Just as I was about to sign the contract, the company pulled the rug out from under me and withdrew the offer.”
“The sudden change in leadership pulled the rug out from under the entire department, leaving the staff uncertain about their future roles within the organization.”
- 01
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
- 02
gravity's pull
Stress or pressure of a situation acting upon a person.
- 03
pull a face
To make an abnormal facial expression, either intentionally or because of an emotion.
- 04
pull a fast one
To carry out a trick or act of deception; to behave contrary to expectations.
- 05
pull a lever
To vote.
- 06
pull a rabbit out of a hat
To do something surprising and beneficial that is unexpected.
- 07
pull ahead
To move into a winning position (e.g. in a race or competition).
- 08
pull an all-nighter
To stay awake throughout the night, usually when working or studying.
Last updated August 10, 2026