To "pull the rug from under" someone means unexpectedly withdrawing or removing support, help, or assistance from someone, leaving them in a problematic or difficult situation.
In short:
- It means suddenly stop helping or supporting someone.
What Does "Pull the Rug From Under" Mean?
The idiom "pull the rug from under" someone has a symbolic meaning based on a literal image. Imagine someone standing on a rug, and you suddenly yank it away from them. What would happen? They would probably lose their balance and fall to the ground, hurting themselves or feeling embarrassed. This is what the idiom means figuratively: to cause someone to fail or suffer by taking away something they rely on or expect to have.
Some related expressions that have similar meanings are:
- To pull the plug on someone: to stop supporting or funding someone or something.
- To cut the ground from under someone's feet: to make someone's argument or position invalid.
- To throw someone under the bus: to sacrifice or betray someone for one's benefit or advantage.
Where Does "Pull the Rug From Under" Come From?
The origin and history of the idiom "pull the rug from under" someone is unclear. However, one possible theory is that the phrase comes from an earlier expression that dates back to the 16th century: to cut the grass under someone's feet. This expression also means undermining or sabotaging someone by taking away their advantage or opportunity. The term may have evolved into "pulling the rug from under" someone over time as rugs became more common and valuable household items.
10 Examples of "Pull the Rug From Under" in Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences and contexts:
- He felt sad when his friend pulled the rug from under him by revealing his deep dark secret to everyone.
- Oh, snap. I don't want to pull the rug from under you, but I have some bad news.
- She was about to get promoted, but her scrub boss pulled the rug out from under her and gave the position to someone else.
- He had been working hard on his project day in and day out, but his partner pulled the rug out from under him and quit at the last minute.
- Amelia had been enjoying her retirement life, but her pension fund pulled the rug from under her and cut her benefits.
- She had buckled down and studied for the exam, but her teacher pulled the rug from under her and changed the syllabus.
- He was confident he would win the election, but his opponent pulled the rug out from under him and exposed his scandal.
- They had planned to buy a new car, but the bank pulled the rug from under them and denied their loan application.
- She thought she had found the love of her life, but he pulled the rug from under her and broke up with her over text.
- They were enjoying their vacation, but their travel agency pulled the rug from under them and canceled their flight home.
Examples of "Pull The Rug From Under" in Pop Culture
Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:
- In The Hunger Games (2012), President Snow tells Seneca Crane: "Why do you think we have a winner? Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective. A lot of hope is dangerous. A spark is fine as long as it's contained. So, contain it." He then "pulls the rug from under" him by locking him in a room with poisonous berries, implying that he should kill himself for letting Katniss survive the games.
- In Breaking Bad (2008-2013), Walter White tells Jesse Pinkman: "You either run from things, or you face them, Mr. White. And what exactly does that mean? I learned it in rehab. It's all about accepting who you are. I accept who I am. And who are you? I'm the bad guy." He then "pulls the rug from under" him by poisoning his girlfriend's son with ricin, making him think it was Gus Fring's doing and manipulating him to kill him.
- In Hamilton (2015), Aaron Burr sings: "I wanna be in the room where it happens, the room where it happens, the room where it happens. You've kept me from the room where it happened for the last time." He then "pulled the rug from under" Alexander Hamilton by switching sides and endorsing Thomas Jefferson for president, costing Hamilton his political influence and reputation.
- In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997), Professor Quirrell says to Harry Potter: "There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it." He then "pulls the rug from under" him by revealing that he has been working for Lord Voldemort and that he has been hiding him under his turban as he tries to steal the Philosopher's Stone from Harry.
Other Ways to Say "Pull The Rug From Under"
Here are some synonyms for this idiom:
- To stab someone in the back
- To pull the wool over someone's eyes
- To pull a fast one on someone
- To pull the pin on someone
- To pull a switcheroo on someone
10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Pull The Rug From Under"
Here are frequently asked questions about this idiom:
- What does "pull the rug from under" mean?
To "pull the rug from under" someone means unexpectedly withdrawing or removing support, help, or assistance from someone, leaving them in a problematic or difficult situation.
- What is the origin of the phrase "pull the rug from under"?
One possible theory is that the phrase comes from an earlier expression that dates back to the 16th century: to cut the grass under someone's feet. This expression also means undermining or sabotaging someone by taking away their advantage or opportunity.
- What are some synonyms for "pull the rug from under"?
"Pull the rug from under" someone means to unexpectedly withdraw or remove support, help, or assistance from someone, leaving them in a problematic or difficult situation. "Pull the plug on someone" means to stop supporting or funding someone or something, usually because of poor performance or results.
- Is "pull the rug from under" a positive or negative idiom?
It is a negative idiom that implies betrayal, sabotage, or harm. It is usually used to criticize or condemn someone's actions or motives.
- How can you avoid "pulling the rug from under someone"?
You can avoid this by being honest, loyal, reliable, and respectful. You can also communicate clearly and openly with them about your expectations, plans, and decisions. You can also offer them alternative solutions or options if you have to change or cancel something that affects them.
- Can you use this idiom in other tenses or forms?
Yes, you can use this idiom in other tenses or forms by changing the verb pull according to the subject and time.
- What phrases have a similar meaning to this in other languages?
Spanish: quitarle la silla a alguien
French: retirer l’échelle à quelqu’un
German: jemandem den Teppich unter den Füßen wegziehen
Italian: togliere il terreno da sotto i piedi a qualcuno
Portuguese: puxar o tapete de alguém
- How can you use this idiom in a question or a negative sentence?
You can use this idiom in a question or a negative sentence by adding a question word, an auxiliary verb, or a negation word.
- What are some antonyms of "pull the rug from under" someone?
Some antonyms of this idiom are to lend a hand to someone, to have someone’s back, to give someone a leg up, to stand by someone, and to throw someone a lifeline.
- What are some synonyms of "rug" in this idiom?
Some synonyms of rug in this idiom are carpet, mat, runner, throw, and blanket.
Final Thoughts About "Pull The Rug From Under"
"Pulling the rug from under" someone is a common and damaging idiom that means to cause someone to fail or suffer by taking away something they rely on or expect to have. It is often used to express anger, disappointment, resentment, or shock towards someone's actions or motives.
Some basic information about this idiom:
- It has a symbolic meaning based on a literal image of yanking a rug away from someone standing on it, causing them to fall and hurt themselves.
- It has different variations depending on the perspective, pronoun, tense, or preposition used.
- It has some related expressions that have a similar meaning.
- It has some synonyms and antonyms.
