Pull the rug out from under Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To suddenly take away someone's support or advantage, leaving them in a difficult situation without warning.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and idiomatic; often used in business, relationships, or sports when someone loses support unexpectedly. Not literal. Sometimes shortened to 'the rug was pulled out from under me.' Avoid using for physical actions.
Example Sentences
When the company closed, it pulled the rug out from under its workers.
basic
Her best friend pulled the rug out from under her by telling her secret.
basic
He felt like someone pulled the rug out from under him when he lost his scholarship.
basic
Just when I thought my plan was working, my boss pulled the rug out from under me.
natural
You can trust me—I’d never pull the rug out from under you.
natural
The city council really pulled the rug out from under us by changing the rules last minute.
natural