Left in a difficult situation without help or resources. Abandoned or stranded, often when support was expected or needed most.
This nautical phrase from the 1600s originally described ships stranded on shore by receding tides, literally left high on the beach and dry without water. It evolved to describe any situation where someone is left without expected support or assistance.
The phrase perfectly captures that feeling of abandonment through its maritime imagery - you can almost feel the helplessness of a ship suddenly finding itself on dry land. It's both literal and metaphorical shipwreck in four simple words.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.