High and dry

Definitions

• left in a difficult situation without help or support
  Describing a situation where someone is abandoned or left without assistance, often in a time of need

• stranded
  Referring to a person or object being left in a place with no way to escape or move

Examples of High and dry

• The hiker became high and dry when he ran out of water and couldn't find any sources of it in the desert.

  This idiom describes a situation where someone is stranded in a place without the necessary resources, specifically water. It can also be used figuratively to describe being in a difficult or helpless situation.

• After losing his job and his savings, the man found himself high and dry, with no income and mounting bills.

  This idiom shows how a person's financial situation can leave them powerless and unable to pay for the things they need.

• The failed project left the team high and dry, with no clear next steps and no way to recoup their investment.

  This example demonstrates how a project's failure can leave its participants with no options or solutions, leaving them in a difficult and financially disadvantaged position.

• The small business owner was high and dry when a natural disaster struck and destroyed his inventory and equipment.

  Here, this idiom signals the complete loss of resources and assets due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as a disaster. This can also be used figuratively to describe failing in an attempt.

• After the heavy rain, the roads were left high and dry due to the lack of water in the nearby river.

  In this example, "high and dry" means that the roads were not submerged in water after the rain because the nearby river had run out of water. "High" implies that the roads were above the usual water level, and "dry" refers to the fact that there was no water on the roads.

• During the power outage, my phone's battery died, leaving it high and dry.

  In this example, "high and dry" implies that the phone's battery had no charge and could not be used, just as being high and dry would leave someone with no water or other resources.

• My shirt got high and dry after I accidentally left it in the dryer with nothing else.

  In this example, "high and dry" means that the shirt became wrinkled and lost its shape because it was not paired with other items in the dryer to help it maintain its shape. The shirt was left high and dry, meaning it was left alone and without support, much like being high and dry would leave someone without any help or guidance.

• My bank account is high and dry because I forgot to deposit my paycheck.

  In this example, "high and dry" means that my bank account has no money in it, just as being high and dry would leave someone without any resources or liquid to support them. This could be a humorous way to express the frustration of forgetting to deposit a paycheck or other financial misstep.

Conclusion

The idiom "high and dry" is used to describe a situation where someone is left in a difficult or stranded position without any help or support. It can refer to being abandoned in a time of need, or being left in a place with no means of escape. This idiom is often used to convey a sense of helplessness or vulnerability.

Origin of "High and dry"

The origin of the idiom "high and dry" can be traced back to nautical terminology. In sailing, ships that are left high and dry are stranded on land, unable to move due to low tide. This situation leaves the ship vulnerable and in a difficult position. Over time, the idiom has been adopted into everyday language to describe any situation where someone is left in a helpless or stranded state. The phrase has become a common way to express the feeling of being abandoned or left without support. For example, someone might say "I was left high and dry when my car broke down and no one stopped to help." This usage reflects the original nautical meaning of being stranded and vulnerable.