# pull the rug out from under

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-the-rug-out-from-under
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To suddenly remove support from.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.