abandon someone in need
/əˈbændən ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn niːd/
Meaning
This phrase means to walk away from, desert, or fail to support a friend, family member, or partner when they are going through a difficult time and require help. It carries a strong negative moral connotation, implying a betrayal of trust or duty. It is used in serious discussions about loyalty and relationship breakdowns.
Examples
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A true friend would never abandon someone in need.
A true friend would never abandon someone in need.
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He felt deeply betrayed when his family abandoned him in need during his illness.
He felt deeply betrayed when his family abandoned him in need during his illness.
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It is unethical for a doctor to abandon someone in need of medical attention.
It is unethical for a doctor to abandon someone in need of medical attention.
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She promised she would never abandon her partner in need, no matter what happened.
She promised she would never abandon her partner in need, no matter what happened.
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During the financial crisis, many investors chose to abandon their partners in need.
During the financial crisis, many investors chose to abandon their partners in need.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He abandoned her in a needy situation.
✓ He abandoned her in need.
'In need' is a fixed idiomatic prepositional phrase. 'In a needy situation' is awkward and unnatural.
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✗ Don't abandon someone in needs.
✓ Don't abandon someone in need.
The word 'need' must be singular in this specific idiomatic phrase.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Loyalty means you don't ___ just because things get tough.
💡 Leave a person when they require your help the most.
Show answer
abandon someone in need
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She was criticized for choosing to ___ after promising to help them through the crisis.
💡 Desert her friends when they were struggling.
Show answer
abandon her friends in need