cut the ground from under
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Unexpectedly withdraw support or destroy one's foundation, trip someone up. For example, Overriding his veto, Congress cut the ground from under the President. This metaphoric phrase alludes to removing the solid earth from under someone. [Mid-1800s]
QUIZ
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Words nearby cut the ground from under
cutter deck, Cutter number, cutter-rigged, cut the comedy, cut the Gordian knot, cut the ground from under, cut the mustard, cutthroat, cutthroat contract, cutthroat trout, cutting
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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