IdiomNature
English
Englishleft high and dry
Meaning: Stranded or abandoned without help.
Example: “When the contractor went bankrupt, the homeowners were left high and dry.”
Origin: Originally nautical: a ship left "high and dry" was stranded on the shore when the tide went out. The figurative sense is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: en la estacada Literally: In the stake
French: En rade Literally: In the roadstead
More English idioms
- an old wives' tale A traditional belief, especially about health, that is not true.
- a pen-pusher A clerk or bureaucrat doing dull paperwork.
- a word to the wise A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.
- a shot across the bow A warning of more serious action to come.
- at a snail's pace Very slowly.
- no picnic Not easy or pleasant.
Explore another collection: False Friends
Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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