⚡ Pull the Rug Out from Under (Someone), To ⚡
Definition: To upset someone’s plans or activities; to remove someone’s supports. Picturing someone suddenly and disastrously deprived of their footing, the imagery conjured by this idiom is humorously vivid. Not as funny for the person left sitting unceremoniously on the floor!
🧩 Synonyms:
- Disrupt
- Underhandedly sabotage
- Thwart unexpectedly
- Pull the chair out from under
🚫 Antonyms:
- Support
- Uphold
- Bolster
- Reinforce
🧩 Related Idioms and Phrases:
- Throw a wrench in the works: To unexpectedly interfere with or sabotage a plan.
- Pull the wool over (someone’s) eyes: To deceive someone.
- Sweep the legs out from under: To undermine or debilitate someone.
📚 Proverb:
- “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Don’t assume you’re going to get something before it’s actually in hand.
📖 Literary Reference:
- “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck: Frequently illustrates how plans go awry, often abruptly, in the world of much pored-over rugs.
🎶 Musical Vibes:
- “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones: Reminds us, sometimes fate—or a troubling co-worker—itself is there to pull the rug out from your happily ever after.
🎬 Cinematic Wizardry:
- “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006): Expect bosses to lexicons, all giant rug-pullers at play revealing undue power plays.
Ready for a Quiz? 🤔
### What does 'pull the rug out from under someone’ mean?
- [x] Upset someone’s plans
- [ ] Shower someone with gifts
- [ ] Offer unexpected support
- [ ] Pull a literal rug away
> **Explanation:** This means to unexpectedly thwart someone, often removing essential support—pranksters with chairs or conspirators in corporate plots!
### True or False: Pulling the rug out from under someone can describe supportive actions.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It might sound like a fun dance move, but it's all about pulling support and creating chaos, not boosting morale!
### Which TV show often demonstrates ‘pulling the rug out from under’ scenarios?
- [ ] The Great British Bake Off
- [x] Games of Thrones
- [ ] Happy Days
- [ ] Baby Shark’s Big Show!
> **Explanation:** "Game of Thrones" is filled with unexpected betrayals, much like rugs attending covert vanish dates under pressures standing there.
### Select the phrase meaning the same as ‘pull the rug out from under’ someone:
- [ ] Lift someone up
- [x] Throw a wrench in the works
- [ ] Jump through hoops
- [ ] Extend an olive branch
> **Explanation:** Both idioms express unexpectedly sabotaging plans—no wrench tossing intended, it’s just exemplary chaos brews ever there.
### True or False: ‘Pulling the wool over someone’s eyes’ means to support them.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Deception awaits, not doling out eminence in arms of amusement, they see blueprints of rugs smoothly removing unawares!
💡 Farewell Thought 💡
Sometimes, life pulls the rug out from under us when we least expect it. Let’s embrace the stumbles and falls as opportunities to rise again, finding our footing in the world revised, stronger and grounded better than before.
— Lexi T. Ligidiom, 2023
