Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

leave-someone-in-the-lurch

phrase

/liːv ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ðə lɜːrtʃ/

Definition

To abandon someone in a difficult situation.

Examples

She felt betrayed when her friend left her in the lurch during the project.
He didn’t want to leave his team in the lurch, so he finished the task before leaving.

Meaning

When you leave someone in the lurch, you are leaving them to deal with a problem or situation on their own, often when they are expecting your support or assistance.