leave in the lurch

Idioms and Phrases

Abandon or desert someone in difficult straits. For example, Jane was angry enough to quit without giving notice, leaving her boss in the lurch . This expression alludes to a 16th-century French dice game, lourche , where to incur a lurch meant to be far behind the other players. It later was used in cribbage and other games, as well as being used in its present figurative sense by about 1600.

Example Sentences

“The majority’s rule will leave in the lurch the many states, private parties and legal researchers who relied on the previously bright-line rule” between statutes and annotations, he wrote.

From New York Times

Unfortunately, this could leave in the lurch a large number of people whose applications have been pending in the first stage for some time and who now will not meet the new two-year eligibility requirements.

From Washington Post

It’s not just prisoners whom private prison contractors leave in the lurch, though.

From The Guardian

"European leaders brought about tougher sanctions on Russia, which we respect, but we also have to respect the consequences and not leave in the lurch those who are bearing the burden," he said.

From Reuters

To frustrate or disappoint; to deceive or defraud, by nonfulfillment of engagement; to leave in the lurch; to give the slip to; as, to bilk a creditor.

From Project Gutenberg