Leave somebody/something to the mercy/mercies of somebody/something

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase often suggests a bad result for the abandoned party.

He left his plants to the mercy of a scorching sun.

Pro Tip 2/3

Implies a situation where no human control or influence can be exerted.

They left the old cottage to the mercy of the relentless winds.

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase can evoke strong feelings of vulnerability or abandonment.

The sailors left the sinking ship to the mercies of an unforgiving sea.

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