twist slowly in the wind

twist in the wind

To have been left in a very difficult, troublesome, or problematic situation, often to receive punishment or blame. "Slowly" can be added between "twist" and "in" for further emphasis. You really left us twisting in the wind when you decided to take your vacation right before the project's deadline! The government's sudden decision not to continue funding the program has left many residents twisting slowly in the wind.
See also: twist, wind
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

twist (slowly) in the wind

in. to suffer the agony of some punishment, powerless to do anything about it, as if one had been hanged. (Figurative only.) I’ll see you twist in the wind for trying to frustrate this investigation.
See also: slowly, twist, wind
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • twist in the wind
  • twist in the wind, be left to
  • get out of a jam
  • be left in the lurch
  • in hot water
  • be worse off
  • come to such a pass
  • come to a pretty pass
  • a pretty pass