leave (somebody) out in the cold
Meaning(s)
1. ignore or exclude somebody from something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
be left out in the cold at the talks/negotiations
Analysis
The idiom to 'leave someone out in the cold' means to exclude someone, leave them in a bad position or to deprive someone of their rights, knowledge or advantages that might benefit them.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The proposed changes would most likely see upper management reap the benefits while leaving the ordinary worker out in the cold.
- If we cannot bring something substantial to the table at the trade talks, we could find ourselves left out in the cold.
- The boss knew that Liam was leaving the company at the end of the month, so he took the decision to leave him out in the cold when it came to brainstorming sessions and meetings.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Removing civics education leaves citizens out in the cold when it comes to their rights.
- Residents were left out in the cold on planning decisions which approved a high rise apartment complex and increased traffic in the town.