in the lurch
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This growing practice is the result of insurers shifting more costs to patients, which leaves hospitals in the lurch when bills go unpaid, said Molly Smith, vice president at the American Hospital Association.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
As imports are disrupted, India has moved to ensure households and essential sectors remain adequately supplied, leaving restaurants, manufacturers and power plants in the lurch.
From Barron's ● Mar. 12, 2026
Developers and investors are hesitant to schedule a spot on a factory line if that factory’s bankruptcy will leave them in the lurch.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026
He said that his family feel "left in the lurch" and described the experience like being in "purgatory".
From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2025
“Well, if I ever did! Her going away and leaving you poor dear children in the lurch like that,” said Mrs. Brill, a moment later, bustling in and setting to work on them.
From "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
