High and dry

usgb
adverb

To be left with no help or support.

When my car broke down, I was left high and dry in the middle of the desert.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be left with no help or support

Often appears as...

  • leave someone high and dry
  • stranded high and dry

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

To be out of water, usually referred to ships beached on shore.

After the tide went out, the boat was high and dry.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be out of water, usually referred to ships beached on shore

Often appears as...

  • ship high and dry
  • boat high and dry

Usage tips

Technical

adverb

To be in a difficult situation without any resources.

After the company downsized, Jane was left high and dry without a job.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be in a difficult situation without any resources

Often appears as...

  • leave someone high and dry
  • stranded high and dry

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

To be left with no help or support.

When my car broke down, I was left high and dry in the middle of the desert.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be left with no help or support

Often appears as...

  • leave someone high and dry
  • stranded high and dry

Usage tips

Idiomatic

adverb

To be out of water, usually referred to ships beached on shore.

After the tide went out, the boat was high and dry.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be out of water, usually referred to ships beached on shore

Often appears as...

  • ship high and dry
  • boat high and dry

Usage tips

Technical

adverb

To be in a difficult situation without any resources.

After the company downsized, Jane was left high and dry without a job.
Visual representation of "high and dry" - To be in a difficult situation without any resources

Often appears as...

  • leave someone high and dry
  • stranded high and dry

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "high and dry"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Lack of Support

Implies that someone is unsupported when they expected help, especially in tough times.

Illustration for Lack of Support
When I lost my job, my friends left me high and dry.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Unexpected Abandonment

Suggests being abandoned or left aside suddenly, creating a strong sense of betrayal.

Illustration for Unexpected Abandonment
The investors pulled out and left the project high and dry.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Impact

Often used to express emotional distress caused by being abandoned or not supported.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
His mentor's sudden departure left him feeling high and dry.
Visual representation of the word "High and dry"

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