pull the rug out from under someone

Meaning: To abruptly ruin someone's plans or expectations.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: The Absurd

Origin: The expression suggests the feeling of shock a person would have if a rug was literally pulled out from under him or her.

More idioms — The Absurd

raise cain — To cause a disturbance, often because one is extremely angry; to make trouble.
run amok — To run around in a frenzied or disorderly way.
run something into the ground — To belabor something beyond reason; to go too far with something.
have a screw loose screw — To be harmlessly crazy.
shot in the dark — A guess, often wild or based on little information.
sleep like a log — To sleep so soundly that noise doesn't wake the person.

pull the wool over someone's eyes — To deceive or fool someone.
pull up stakes — To collect one's household belongings and leave one's house or property; to move to anoth…
put all one's eggs in one basket — To invest all one's hopes or plans in only one possible outcome.
put someone on the spot — To put someone in a difficult situation or to present someone with a difficult choice; to…
put the squeeze on — To apply pressure on someone to do something; to force or coerce someone.
rake someone raked over the coals — To reprimand or criticize someone harshly.

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