What does “High and dry” mean?
"High and dry" means being left without any help or support.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After his business failed, he was left high and dry with no one to turn to.
Example
The company suddenly closed down, leaving all its employees high and dry.
Example
She was abandoned by her friends and left high and dry in a foreign country
Is “High and dry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“High and dry” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “High and dry” effectively in context?
You can use "High and Dry" to describe a situation where someone is left without any help or support. It emphasizes the feeling of being abandoned or stranded. For example, if a friend's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and they have no phone signal, you might say, 'He was left high and dry with no one around to help him.'
- 1Business
After his business failed, he was left high and dry with no one to turn to.
- 2Employment
The company suddenly closed down, leaving all its employees high and dry.
- 3Travel
She was abandoned by her friends and left high and dry in a foreign country.
Similar phrases to “High and dry”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “High and dry” come from?
The origin of the phrase "High and Dry" is unknown.
Is “High and dry” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "High and Dry" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to describe situations where someone is left without any help or support.
What tone does “High and dry” have?
"High and Dry" conveys a tone of abandonment and vulnerability. It suggests a sense of being left alone and helpless in a difficult situation.
Can “High and dry” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "High and Dry" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a specific situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After the accident, she was left high and dry with no one to help her.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He was left "high and dry"!' to express the feeling of being abandoned.
