ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pull the rug out from under

idiom
Meaning

To suddenly remove support from.


Examples
SIMPLE

My boss pulled the rug out from under me by cancelling the project.

CONTEXTUAL

Just as I was about to sign the contract, the company pulled the rug out from under me and withdrew the offer.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 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.

  2. 02

    gravity's pull

    Stress or pressure of a situation acting upon a person.

  3. 03

    pull a face

    To make an abnormal facial expression, either intentionally or because of an emotion.

  4. 04

    pull a fast one

    To carry out a trick or act of deception; to behave contrary to expectations.

  5. 05

    pull a lever

    To vote.

  6. 06

    pull a rabbit out of a hat

    To do something surprising and beneficial that is unexpected.

  7. 07

    pull ahead

    To move into a winning position (e.g. in a race or competition).

  8. 08

    pull an all-nighter

    To stay awake throughout the night, usually when working or studying.

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