# left in the lurch

> English word · Adjective

## Definitions
1. Stranded in a difficult and helpless position.

## Etymology
From the Middle French board game of lourche (“lurch”). Players suffered a lurch if they were left in a hopeless position which rendered victory impossible.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/left-in-the-lurch