Idioms

deserted

Also found in: Dictionary, Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

desert (someone or something) for (someone or something)

To leave or abandon someone or something for someone or something else. After years of being underpaid, she finally deserted her corporate job. I deserted my homeland for a country that had more opportunities available to me. But you're a soldier—you can't just desert your military post for your freedom!
See also: desert, for

desert a sinking ship

To leave a situation in which failure is imminent. This phrase alludes to rats, the first ones said to flee a sinking ship. The CEO's sudden resignation seemed strange at the time, but now we know that he was just deserting a sinking ship, as the company has become plagued by scandal. Amid rumors that the company was filing for bankruptcy, the employees started to desert a sinking ship. Once people find out about the legal scrutiny bearing down on the organization, get ready for them to desert a sinking ship.
See also: desert, ship, sink
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

desert a sinking ship

 and leave a sinking ship
Fig. to leave a place, a person, or a situation when things become difficult or unpleasant. (Rats are said to be the first to leave a ship that is sinking.) I hate to be the one to desert a sinking ship, but I can't work for a company that continues to lose money. There goes Tom. Wouldn't you know he'd leave a sinking ship rather than stay around and try to help?
See also: desert, ship, sink
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

desert a sinking ship

Abandon a failing enterprise before it is too late. For example, After seeing the company's financial statement, he knew it was time to desert a sinking ship . This metaphoric expression alludes to rats, which leave a vessel when it founders in a storm or runs aground so as to escape drowning. It was transferred to human behavior by about 1600.
See also: desert, ship, sink
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
See also:
References in periodicals archive
PRIVATE ERNEST MACKNESS, 25, 1/Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), deserted twice.
PRIVATE ALLAN MURPHY, 27, 9/Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), deserted for six months.
PRIVATE JAMES MICHAEL, 22, 10/Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), deserted from Salient.
PRIVATE GEORGE CUTMORE, 2/Black Watch volunteer, deserted. Shot 25.7.1917.
PRIVATE PETER BLACK, 20, 1/4 Black Watch, deserted going into action.
PRIVATE JOHN DOCHERTY, 27, 9/Black Watch, deserted a year after enlisting but caught after just one day.
PRIVATE NORMAN TAYSUM, 22, army cyclist transferred to 9/Black Watch, deserted. Shot 16.10.1917.
The men set to be pardoned after 80 years of being branded cowards and a disgrace to their country
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.