leave (someone) in the lurch
phrase
: to leave (someone) without help or protection when it is needed
His advisers left him in the lurch when he needed them the most.
Cite this Entry
“Leave (someone) in the lurch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leave%20%28someone%29%20in%20the%20lurch. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
