pull the rug from under someone/something

pull the rug (out) from under (someone's) feet

To suddenly or unexpectedly remove or rescind support, help, or assistance from someone; to abruptly leave someone in a problematic or difficult situation. I felt like someone had pulled the rug out from under my feet when my health insurance said it was going to stop paying for my medical bills. I'd love to up and quit my job, but I just can't pull the rug from under their feet like that.See also: feet, pull, rug

pull the rug from under someone/something

or

pull the rug from under someone's feet

COMMON If someone pulls the rug from under someone or something or pulls the rug from under someone's feet, they suddenly stop helping and supporting them. Just when we got close to saving the shipyard, the Government pulled the rug from under our feet. The banks may yet pull the rug from under the project.See also: pull, rug, someone, something