left

be left at the post fail to compete. informal

☞ The image here is of a racehorse that fails to leave the starting post along with its rivals.

be left holding the baby: seeholding.

from (or out of) left field from a position or direction that is unexpected or unconventional. informal, chiefly North American

☞ The expression originated in the language of baseball: left field is the part of the outfield to the left of a right-handed batter as he faces the pitcher, which does not often come into play.

2013Sculpture Magazine I am the only one who is an artist in the traditional sense. Sometimes my comments come out of left field. They're quirky and not just about technical or architectural issues.

hang a left: seehang.

have two left feet be clumsy or awkward, especially as a dancer.

left out in the cold: seecold.

left, right, and centre (also left and right or right and left) on all sides.

2008Julie Burchill & Chas Newkey-BurdenNot in my Name I just wish they'd stop finger-wagging at others in public while shagging left, right and centre in private!