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3. pull the rug (out) from under (someone's) feet

pull the rug (out) from under (someone's) feet

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pull the rug (out) from under (someone's) feet

To suddenly or unexpectedly remove or rescind support, help, or assistance from someone; to abruptly leave someone in a problematic or difficult situation. I felt like someone had pulled the rug out from under my feet when my health insurance said it was going to stop paying for my medical bills. I'd love to up and quit my job, but I just can't pull the rug from under their feet like that.

See also: feet, pull, rug