At the mercy of somebody/something

phrase

Completely in the control or power of someone or something, often in a dangerous or negative situation.

The flood victims are at the mercy of the weather.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Completely in the control or power of someone or something, often in a dangerous or negative situation.

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of fate
  • at the mercy of the wind
phrase

Unable to defend oneself against someone or something.

The small village was at the mercy of the invading army.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Unable to defend oneself against someone or something.

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of attackers
  • at the mercy of enemies
phrase

Dependent on someone or something.

As a startup, we're often at the mercy of investors.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Dependent on someone or something

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of market forces
  • at the mercy of investors

Usage tips

Business

phrase

Completely in the control or power of someone or something, often in a dangerous or negative situation.

The flood victims are at the mercy of the weather.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Completely in the control or power of someone or something, often in a dangerous or negative situation.

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of fate
  • at the mercy of the wind
phrase

Unable to defend oneself against someone or something.

The small village was at the mercy of the invading army.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Unable to defend oneself against someone or something.

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of attackers
  • at the mercy of enemies
phrase

Dependent on someone or something.

As a startup, we're often at the mercy of investors.
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something" - Dependent on someone or something

Often appears as...

  • at the mercy of market forces
  • at the mercy of investors

Usage tips

Business

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "at the mercy of somebody/something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Implies Helplessness

Suggests being unable to change the situation or escape from it.

Illustration for Implies Helplessness
Without electricity, we were at the mercy of the cold night.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Situations

Often used when the situation is harmful or undesirable.

Illustration for Negative Situations
The sailors were at the mercy of the storm.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Lack of Control

Highlights the absence of influence over the outcome.

Illustration for Lack of Control
Patients awaiting transplants are at the mercy of donor availability.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Implies Helplessness

Suggests being unable to change the situation or escape from it.

Illustration for Implies Helplessness
Without electricity, we were at the mercy of the cold night.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Situations

Often used when the situation is harmful or undesirable.

Illustration for Negative Situations
The sailors were at the mercy of the storm.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Lack of Control

Highlights the absence of influence over the outcome.

Illustration for Lack of Control
Patients awaiting transplants are at the mercy of donor availability.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Implies Helplessness

Suggests being unable to change the situation or escape from it.

Illustration for Implies Helplessness
Without electricity, we were at the mercy of the cold night.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Situations

Often used when the situation is harmful or undesirable.

Illustration for Negative Situations
The sailors were at the mercy of the storm.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Lack of Control

Highlights the absence of influence over the outcome.

Illustration for Lack of Control
Patients awaiting transplants are at the mercy of donor availability.
Visual representation of the word "At the mercy of somebody/something"

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