Leave somebody in the lurch

phrase

To suddenly leave someone when they need you.

I was left in the lurch when my friend, who promised to help me move, decided not to show up.
Visual representation of "leave somebody in the lurch" - To suddenly leave someone when they need you

Often appears as...

  • leave someone in the lurch
  • left in the lurch

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To suddenly leave someone when they need you.

I was left in the lurch when my friend, who promised to help me move, decided not to show up.
Visual representation of "leave somebody in the lurch" - To suddenly leave someone when they need you

Often appears as...

  • leave someone in the lurch
  • left in the lurch

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "leave somebody in the lurch"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Timing

This phrase often implies that the abandonment happens at the worst possible time for the person affected.

Illustration for Unexpected Timing
When the guide didn't show up, the tourists were left in the lurch at the start of the hike.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Use this phrase to express a sense of betrayal or letdown by someone who fails to fulfill their promises or duties.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Sarah left me in the lurch by quitting right before the project's deadline.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not for Emergencies

The phrase should not be used when someone can't help because of an emergency—it implies a lack of responsibility, not misfortune.

Illustration for Not for Emergencies
He left us in the lurch because he went to a movie, not because his car broke down.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Timing

This phrase often implies that the abandonment happens at the worst possible time for the person affected.

Illustration for Unexpected Timing
When the guide didn't show up, the tourists were left in the lurch at the start of the hike.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Use this phrase to express a sense of betrayal or letdown by someone who fails to fulfill their promises or duties.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Sarah left me in the lurch by quitting right before the project's deadline.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not for Emergencies

The phrase should not be used when someone can't help because of an emergency—it implies a lack of responsibility, not misfortune.

Illustration for Not for Emergencies
He left us in the lurch because he went to a movie, not because his car broke down.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unexpected Timing

This phrase often implies that the abandonment happens at the worst possible time for the person affected.

Illustration for Unexpected Timing
When the guide didn't show up, the tourists were left in the lurch at the start of the hike.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Use this phrase to express a sense of betrayal or letdown by someone who fails to fulfill their promises or duties.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Sarah left me in the lurch by quitting right before the project's deadline.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not for Emergencies

The phrase should not be used when someone can't help because of an emergency—it implies a lack of responsibility, not misfortune.

Illustration for Not for Emergencies
He left us in the lurch because he went to a movie, not because his car broke down.
Visual representation of the word "Leave somebody in the lurch"

Never forget "Leave somebody in the lurch"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top