English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Leave at the altar
Meaning
"Leave at the altar" is an idiom that means to let someone down or abandon a plan, usually after making promises or taking actions that suggest commitment. The phrase originates from the medieval practice of leaving a wedding ring on the altar as a sign of intention to marry, only to change one's mind and leave before the ceremony begins.
Usage
- I had been really excited about starting my new job, but when I found out that it wasn't what I expected, I decided to leave at the altar.
- My friends convinced me to ask out my crush, but I realized too late that we didn't have much in common, so I left her at the altar.
- The company made promises about its sustainability practices, but when I checked their records, I saw that they had been cutting corners and leaving at the altar.
- My daughter got engaged to someone she met online, but after meeting them in person, she realized they were not compatible and left at the altar.
- When my colleague was assigned to lead the project, he promised to delegate tasks fairly, but as time went by, he started taking credit for other people's work and leaving them at the altar.
Roots and History
The idiom "leave at the altar" dates back to the 16th century when couples would exchange rings during wedding ceremonies as a sign of commitment. If one party changed their mind, they would leave the ring on the altar, thus leaving the other partner at the altar. The phrase gained more widespread usage in the 20th century and has since taken on a broader meaning beyond just marriage proposals.
Synonyms in English
- Double-cross
- Betrayal
- Ditch someone
- Flake out
- Chickening out
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Brouiller le cirque" - To confuse or mislead someone.
- German: "Anspruch auf eine Verpflichtung aufbrechen" - To break a promise or agreement.
- Italian: "Tirarsi indietro alle spalle" - To back away from something.
- Spanish: "Dejar al otro en el altar" - To leave someone at the altar.
- Russian: "Оставить на свадьбе" - To leave someone at a wedding ceremony.