leave (one) to twist in the wind

leave (one) to twist in the wind

To put one in a very difficult, troublesome, or problematic situation as a result of some action or decision. You really left us to twist 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 to twist in the wind.

See also: leave, twist, wind

leave to twist

/leave twisting in the wind

To abandon (someone) to a bad situation, often as a recipient of blame: "If our envoy was so blameless, why had she been left to twist in the wind?" (William Safire).

See also: leave, twist