hang out to dry


hang (one) out to dry

To desert one in a troubling situation. He says he's my friend, but then he totally hung me out to dry in that meeting! Not one word of support as the boss tore into me!See also: dry, hang, out

hang someone out to dry

Fig. to defeat or punish someone. The boss was really angry at Billie. He yelled at him and hung him out to dry.See also: dry, hang, out

hang out to dry

Abandon someone to danger, as in The squadron withdrew and just let us hang out to dry. This expression alludes to hanging wet laundry on a clothesline. [Slang; 1960s] See also: dry, hang, out