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leave (someone) out in the cold

idiom

: to leave (someone) in a bad position : to not give (someone) the rights or advantages that are given to others
The changes benefit management but leave the workers out in the cold.

Cite this Entry

“Leave (someone) out in the cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leave%20%28someone%29%20out%20in%20the%20cold. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.

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