pull the rug
Yank support away
To pull the rug (out from under someone) is to suddenly withdraw support or stability, leaving them in a vulnerable position: The investors pulled the rug just before launch.
The image is of someone standing on a rug that's yanked away, causing them to fall.
Often implies betrayal or unexpected reversal: She thought she had the promotion, then management pulled the rug.
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- unseatRemove from position
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- shockViolent sudden disturbance
withdraw · topple · disrupt · financial instability · throw under the bus · dismantle · revoke · leave high and dry · left in the lurch · displace · disappointment · insecurity · trust issues · blindside · taken by surprise · vulnerability · power dynamics · helplessness
- dirty tacticsdirty trick, dirty tricks, dirty pool, foul play, cheap shot
pull the rugsoft landing
Controlled, gradual descent
telegraph · foreshadow · prepare the ground · wind down · transition