How to Pronounce "leave a sinking ship"
expression
ˈɫiv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/ /ˈʃɪp
LEEV uh SING-king SHIP
lˈiːv/ /æɪ/ /sˈɪŋkɪŋ/ /ʃˈɪp
LEEV uh SING-king SHIP
Definition
To leave an organization, project, or situation when it is failing or experiencing serious problems, often to avoid responsibility.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫiv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/ /ˈʃɪp
British English
lˈiːv/ /æɪ/ /sˈɪŋkɪŋ/ /ʃˈɪp
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LEEV uh SING-king SHIP
UK
LEEV uh SING-king SHIP
Listen in Context
Many investors decided to leave a sinking ship when the company lost money.
Employees started to leave a sinking ship when rumors about bankruptcy began.
He refused to leave a sinking ship and stayed with the company until the end.
It’s easy to leave a sinking ship, but real character is shown when you stick around and help.