How Do You Spell LEFT IN THE LURCH?

Pronunciation: [lˈɛft ɪnðə lˈɜːt͡ʃ] (IPA)

The phrase "left in the lurch" is a common idiom that means to abandon or leave someone without any help or support. The spelling of "lurch" may seem unusual, but it actually comes from an old game called "lurching," in which a player was left with an unplayable hand. The word is pronounced /lɜːrtʃ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a silent "ch" at the end. So, the next time someone leaves you in the lurch, you'll know exactly where the word came from!

LEFT IN THE LURCH Meaning and Definition

1. Left in the lurch refers to a situation where someone is abandoned or left in a difficult or desperate position, often without any support or assistance from others when it was expected or needed. The expression "left in the lurch" is an idiomatic phrase that originates from a game called lurch, which was popular in the 16th century in England. In this game, players had to stand on one leg while trying to toss a small object called a lurcher as far as possible. If someone was left standing on one leg after the lurcher was thrown, they were considered abandoned or left alone in an unbalanced position. This sense of being deserted or left awkwardly became associated with the phrase "left in the lurch."

   In modern usage, being "left in the lurch" refers to the feeling of being abandoned or let down when one expects or depends on someone else for assistance or support. It implies being left helpless or stranded in a challenging situation where one was counting on help or cooperation. This can have both emotional and practical implications, as the individual left in the lurch may not only feel betrayed or disappointed, but also find themselves facing difficulties or obstacles that they are ill-equipped to handle alone. It conveys a sense of being left unsupported or neglected when support was anticipated or needed, often resulting in a feeling of frustration, vulnerability, or even desperation.

Common Misspellings for LEFT IN THE LURCH

• left in the lurbh
• left in the lurcx
• left in the lurcl
• left in the lurci
• l eft in the lurch
• le ft in the lurch
• lef t in the lurch
• left i n the lurch
• left in t he lurch
• left in th e lurch
• left in the l urch
• left in the lu rch
• left in the lur ch
• left in the lurc h

Idioms with the word LEFT IN THE LURCH

• be left in the lurch To be left in the lurch means to be abandoned or left in a difficult or helpless situation without any assistance or support that was expected or needed. It describes a situation where someone is let down or betrayed by someone they trusted or relied upon, leaving them in a state of uncertainty or trouble.