left holding the bag

1. To have the blame or responsibility thrust upon you: “When his partner skipped town, Harry was left holding the bag.”

Example Sentences

If a bubble does pop, we’ll all be left holding the bag.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Yet, somehow we’re left holding the bag when neighbors or constituents or stakeholders are upset about a project.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The result is that Beverly Hills gets off the hook, and Los Angeles is left holding the bag. It’s unfair and bad policy.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now HE’S gone, his family is safe, and WE are left holding the bag.

Read more on Salon

“It’s going to be individuals that are going to have to basically self-finance their recovery, and mayors and governors that are ... left holding the bag.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times