to abandon someone in a difficult situation without support
example
They were left high and dry when their business partner suddenly backed out.
word origin — From sailing — ships stranded by a low tide were left high above water on dry sand, unable to move.
leave someone high and dry, step up to the plate, cut to the quick, run a tight ship, give the green light: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 46. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
leave someone high and dry · idiom/liv ˈsʌmwʌn haɪ ənd draɪ/
to abandon someone in a difficult situation without support
They were left high and dry when their business partner suddenly backed out.
Origin: From sailing — ships stranded by a low tide were left high above water on dry sand, unable to move.
step up to the plate · idiom/stɛp ʌp tu ðə pleɪt/
to take responsibility for a situation and take action
Now is the time to step up to the plate and prove your skills.
Origin: From American baseball — when a player steps up to home plate, it is finally their turn to bat and perform.
cut to the quick · idiom/kʌt tu ðə kwɪk/
to hurt someone deeply with words or actions
His harsh words really cut to the quick, leaving her in tears.
Origin: From the 1500s — 'the quick' meant living flesh under a fingernail; cutting it caused sharp, immediate pain.
run a tight ship · idiom/rʌn ə taɪt ʃɪp/
to be very organized and disciplined in managing something
She runs a tight ship, making sure everything is done efficiently.
Origin: From naval discipline — a well-run ship has tight ropes, strict rules, and no room for sloppy work or chaos.
give the green light · idiom/ɡɪv ðə ɡrin laɪt/
to approve something or give permission to proceed
The manager gave the green light to start the new project.
Origin: From early 20th-century traffic systems — green lights officially signal that vehicles may proceed forward.