[leave] {sb} in the lurch
1
to refuse to help someone when they need it the most
The idiom "leave someone in the lurch" is believed to have its origins in the world of sports, particularly in games involving teams or pairs where coordination and teamwork are crucial. In lurch games, players need to work together effectively to achieve a common goal. When one player or team member suddenly abandons their position or fails to fulfill their role, it can leave their fellow players at a disadvantage, making success more challenging or even impossible. It is used in various contexts and occasions to describe situations where individuals are abandoned or betrayed, typically when they were depending on someone for support, assistance, or reliability.
- When his car broke down in the middle of nowhere, his so-called friends left him in the lurch, refusing to pick him up.
- The sudden resignation of the team leader left the entire project in the lurch, with no one to guide the remaining members.
- She promised to help with the event, but she canceled at the last minute, leaving us in the lurch and scrambling to find a replacement.
- The supplier's failure to deliver the materials on time left the construction company in the lurch, delaying the entire project.
- After relying on his coworker to cover for him during his vacation, he felt betrayed when she called in sick, leaving him in the lurch at work.