Leave in the lurch meaning

Leaving someone abruptly or without assistance or support in a difficult situation.


Leave in the lurch definitions

Word backwards evael ni eht hcrul
Part of speech "Leave" is a verb in the phrase "leave in the lurch."
Syllabic division leave in the lurch: leave (1 syllable) in (1 syllable) the (1 syllable) lurch (1 syllable)
Plural leaves in the lurch
Total letters 15
Vogais (4) e,a,i,u
Consonants (7) l,v,n,t,h,r,c

When someone is left in the lurch, it means that they have been abandoned or left in a difficult situation without any help or support. This expression is often used to describe a situation where someone is suddenly left in a difficult or precarious position, usually by someone they were relying on for assistance.

Origin of the Phrase

The phrase "leave in the lurch" is believed to have originated in the 16th century and comes from the Middle English word "lurche," which means a sudden jerk or movement. The phrase likely refers to the feeling of being suddenly jolted or left stranded without warning or assistance.

Examples of Being Left in the Lurch

Imagine you are counting on a friend to help you move to a new apartment, but at the last minute, they cancel on you, leaving you to handle the move on your own. This would be a classic example of being left in the lurch. Another example could be a colleague who promises to cover your shift at work but fails to show up, leaving you to deal with the workload alone.

Impact of Being Left in the Lurch

Being left in the lurch can have a significant impact on a person's well-being, causing feelings of betrayal, frustration, and helplessness. It can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of isolation. In some cases, being left in the lurch can have serious consequences, such as financial hardship or damage to relationships.

It is essential to recognize the signs of someone who may be at risk of being left in the lurch and offer support and assistance when needed. By being mindful of others' needs and following through on commitments, we can avoid leaving people in difficult situations and build stronger, more reliable relationships.


Leave in the lurch Examples

  1. She decided to leave him in the lurch and move on with her life.
  2. The company unexpectedly closed, leaving its employees in the lurch.
  3. When her car broke down, her friends left her in the lurch and went ahead without her.
  4. The students were left in the lurch when the teacher didn't show up for class.
  5. His teammates left him in the lurch during the championship game.
  6. The political candidate was left in the lurch by her supporters after the scandal.
  7. They promised to help, but at the crucial moment, they left us in the lurch.
  8. The actor was left in the lurch when the director decided to cancel the movie.
  9. I can't believe you're leaving me in the lurch at the last minute.
  10. He didn't want to leave his best friend in the lurch, so he stayed to help.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 06/04/2024 - 21:03:53