What does “Hang out to dry” mean?
"Hang out to dry" means to leave someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation without any support or help.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
After the scandal, his friends hung him out to dry and distanced themselves from him.
After the scandal, his friends hung him out to dry and distanced themselves from him.
Example
The company hung its employees out to dry by suddenly laying them off without any warning.
The company hung its employees out to dry by suddenly laying them off without any warning.
Example
She felt betrayed when her best friend left her hanging out to dry during her time of need
She felt betrayed when her best friend left her hanging out to dry during her time of need
Is “Hang out to dry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hang out to 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 “Hang out to dry” effectively in context?
You can use "Hang out to dry" to describe a situation where someone is abandoned or left without any support or help in a difficult or vulnerable situation. It emphasizes the feeling of betrayal and abandonment. For example, if a friend refuses to help you when you need them the most, you might say, 'They really hung me out to dry.'
- 1Friendship
After the scandal, his friends hung him out to dry and distanced themselves from him.
After the scandal, his friends hung him out to dry and distanced themselves from him.
- 2Employment
The company hung its employees out to dry by suddenly laying them off without any warning.
The company hung its employees out to dry by suddenly laying them off without any warning.
- 3Support
She felt betrayed when her best friend left her hanging out to dry during her time of need.
She felt betrayed when her best friend left her hanging out to dry during her time of need.
Similar phrases to “Hang out to dry”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hang out to dry” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hang out to dry" is unknown.
Is “Hang out to dry” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hang out to dry" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express feelings of betrayal and abandonment when someone is left without support or help in a difficult situation.
What tone does “Hang out to dry” have?
"Hang out to dry" conveys a tone of disappointment and resentment. It's often used to describe situations where someone feels let down or betrayed by others.
Can “Hang out to dry” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Hang out to dry" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being abandoned or left without support. 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's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They hung him out to dry after the scandal.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They really "hung him out to dry"!' to express disappointment.
