Leave somebody/something to the mercy/mercies of somebody/something
phrase
To abandon someone or something completely, without protection or assistance.
Unable to maintain the cost of the house, they left it to the mercies of the bank.
Often appears as...
- leave to the mercy of the weather
- leave to the mercy of fate
phrase
To allow someone or something to be controlled or affected by another person or thing.
After losing their guides, the expedition was left to the mercy of the wilderness.
Often appears as...
- leave to the mercy of nature
- leave to the mercy of time
phrase
To abandon someone or something completely, without protection or assistance.
Unable to maintain the cost of the house, they left it to the mercies of the bank.
Often appears as...
- leave to the mercy of the weather
- leave to the mercy of fate
phrase
To allow someone or something to be controlled or affected by another person or thing.
After losing their guides, the expedition was left to the mercy of the wilderness.
Often appears as...
- leave to the mercy of nature
- leave to the mercy of time
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
The phrase often suggests a bad result for the abandoned party.
He left his plants to the mercy of a scorching sun.
Pro Tip 2/3Lack of Control
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 3/3Emotive Imagery
The phrase can evoke strong feelings of vulnerability or abandonment.
The sailors left the sinking ship to the mercies of an unforgiving sea.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
The phrase often suggests a bad result for the abandoned party.
He left his plants to the mercy of a scorching sun.
Pro Tip 2/3Lack of Control
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 3/3Emotive Imagery
The phrase can evoke strong feelings of vulnerability or abandonment.
The sailors left the sinking ship to the mercies of an unforgiving sea.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Outcome
The phrase often suggests a bad result for the abandoned party.
He left his plants to the mercy of a scorching sun.
Pro Tip 2/3Lack of Control
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 3/3Emotive Imagery
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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