twist slowly in the wind

twist in the wind

To have been left in a very difficult, troublesome, or problematic situation, often to receive punishment or blame. "Slowly" can be added between "twist" and "in" for further emphasis. You really left us twisting in the wind when you decided to take your vacation right before the project's deadline! The government's sudden decision not to continue funding the program has left many residents twisting slowly in the wind.

See also: twist, wind

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

twist (slowly) in the wind

in. to suffer the agony of some punishment, powerless to do anything about it, as if one had been hanged. (Figurative only.) I’ll see you twist in the wind for trying to frustrate this investigation.

See also: slowly, twist, wind

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.