Leave someone high and dry
/liːv ˈsʌmwʌn haɪ ən draɪ/informalUK · US
What does “Leave someone high and dry” mean?
Leave someone high and dry means to leave someone without the help or resources they need in a difficult situation.
You expected help, but it didn't arrive. Perhaps your lift home was cancelled, or a colleague left you to finish all the work.
The phrase describes the difficult position you're left in. It does not always mean someone deliberately betrayed you: a broken-down car can leave you high and dry too.
When do people say it?
Use it when expected support disappears and someone is left to deal with the consequences.
“The caterer cancelled that morning and left us high and dry with eighty guests to feed.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
Picture a boat stuck on dry land as the water falls. It cannot move, much like someone left without the help they need.
Origin confidence: Disputed; treat with caution
How do you say “Leave someone high and dry” in other languages?
Related idioms
- Throw someone under the bus, Blame or betray someone to protect yourself.
- In the same boat, Facing the same difficult situation
Last updated 2026-09-16