left holding the bag
CulturalExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Washington can craft the financing mechanism—a tax on beneficiaries that ensures ratepayers aren’t left holding the bag.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026
It was a complex story about who borrowed, who lent, how risk was packaged, and who was left holding the bag.
From Barron's ● May 30, 2026
He added that “unfortunately, many unsophisticated investors will be left holding the bag in the end.”
From MarketWatch ● May 13, 2026
The Warner board argued that its shareholders could be left holding the bag.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025
"Yes," retorted Neil, "and thousands of people who are too old to get fresh insurance at any price, and who will have paid for years, will be left holding the bag."
From Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford by George Randolph Chester
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.
