twist in the wind, be left to 🌬️
Definition: Be abandoned; be exposed to blame or severe criticism. This slangy term alludes to the body of a hanged man left dangling in the air, and indeed “twisted” was slang for “hanged” in the 1700s. In modern times, the phrase was initially used by John Ehrlichman in 1973, referring to President Nixon’s withdrawal of support for his own nominee in the face of strong opposition, leaving him to “twist in the wind.” It has since been applied to similar situations and is on its way to clichédom. Also see “out on a limb.”
Related Terms and Expressions
- Out on a Limb: In a position where one is exposed to risk or criticism. Think of a feline friend stranded on the only tree branch that’s threatening to snap.
- Throw Under the Bus: To betray or sacrifice someone for self-preservation. Figuratively speaking, it’s about metaphorically hurling your buddy in harm’s way to save your own skin.
- Hung Out to Dry: Abandoned to face trouble on one’s own. Picture laundry on a clothesline—but the undies are dealing with some serious issues.
- High and Dry: Left stranded without help or resources. Imagine a fish on dry land; a situation that’s both pitiful and perplexing.
- Leave Someone in the Lurch: To leave someone abruptly and without assistance when they desperately need it. It’s like walking out mid-game, leaving your team to finish the jigsaw puzzle of doom alone.
Proverbs and Quotes 🤓
- Proverb: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” (And one who leaves you twisting in the wind? Perhaps not so much.)
- Quote: “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
- Humor: “Can you please help me with this project?” “Sure, I’ll get right on that—right after I finish watching this documentary on procrastination!”
Literature, Music, and Movies 🎬📚🎵
- Book Suggestion: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Confront themes of isolation and abandonment, much like poor Holden Caulfield.
- Movie Recommendation: Cast Away (2000) – Watch Tom Hanks deal with quintessential abandonment, isolation, and everything else involved in learning to love “Wilson.”
- Song Suggestion: “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan – Although not idiomatic, the song’s poetic resonance vibrates with existential questing and searching for answers in the winds of change.
- Poetry Corner: “No Man is an Island” by John Donne – Contemplate how abandonment affects us in Donne’s meditation on community and solidarity.
Quizzes: Go Wild Wind-twisters! 🌪️
### Which of these correctly means "to be abandoned or severely criticized"?
- [x] Twist in the wind
- [ ] Twist and shout
- [ ] Whistle in the wind
- [ ] Dangle on the line
> **Explanation:** "Twist in the wind" fits the bill. The others are much more to do with physical exertions or sea shanties galore!
### Which phrase doesn’t mean abandoning someone?
- [ ] Throw under the bus
- [ ] High and dry
- [ ] Twisting in the wind
- [x] Under the umbrella
> **Explanation:** "Under the umbrella" implies protection or support, unlike our more emotionally desolate choices.
### True or False: 'Out on a limb' means being safe and secure.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Far from safety, being "out on a limb" implies vulnerability and exposure to risk!
Inspirational Farewell: “Remember, dear reader, while the winds of fate may leave some twisting, your support can provide the anchor in the storm.”
Happy words and winds!
-Lexi Wordsworth
