To leave one in the lurch Meaning, Definition & Usage

Definitions

1. . (a) In the game of cribbage, to leave one's adversary so far behind that the game is won before he has scored thirty-one . (b) To leave one behind; hence, to abandon, or fail to stand by, a person in a difficulty. Denham.

   But though thou'rt of a different church, I will not leave thee in the lurch. Hudibras.