jemanden im Regen stehen lassen
To abandon someone
直訳: jemanden (someone) im (in the) Regen (rain) stehen (to stand) lassen (to let/leave)
Use this when someone fails to provide the help they promised during a difficult situation.
15秒でわかる
- To abandon someone in a time of need.
- Commonly used when a promise or commitment is broken.
- Uses the vivid imagery of being stuck in the rain.
意味
This phrase describes the feeling of being abandoned or let down when you really needed help. It is like a friend promising to bring an umbrella but then disappearing, leaving you soaked and alone.
主な例文
3 / 6A colleague doesn't show up for a presentation
Mein Kollege ist nicht gekommen und hat mich im Regen stehen lassen.
My colleague didn't show up and left me standing in the rain.
A friend cancels on moving day
Ich brauche Hilfe beim Umzug, bitte lass mich nicht im Regen stehen!
I need help moving, please don't let me down!
Texting about a flaky date
Er hat das Date abgesagt und mich einfach im Regen stehen lassen.
He canceled the date and just left me hanging.
文化的背景
The phrase highlights the German cultural emphasis on 'Verlässlichkeit' (reliability). In a country where weather can be unpredictable and harsh, the metaphor of rain serves as a universal symbol for a problem you shouldn't have to face alone. It has been a staple of the German language for centuries, appearing in literature to denote a breach of loyalty.
The Passive Voice
If you want to sound like a victim of circumstances, use the passive: 'Ich wurde im Regen stehen gelassen.' It shifts the focus to your misery.
Don't be too literal
If it is actually raining outside and you leave someone, just say 'Tschüss'. Using this phrase makes it sound like a deep betrayal of their soul!
15秒でわかる
- To abandon someone in a time of need.
- Commonly used when a promise or commitment is broken.
- Uses the vivid imagery of being stuck in the rain.
What It Means
Imagine you are waiting for a ride in a storm. Your friend calls and cancels at the last minute. You are wet, cold, and stuck. That is exactly what jemanden im Regen stehen lassen feels like. It means withdrawing support when someone is in a difficult situation. It is about a lack of solidarity. You expected help, but you got nothing instead.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to express disappointment or frustration. It works as a full verb phrase. You can say Du hast mich im Regen stehen lassen. This puts the blame on the other person. You can also use it in the passive voice. For example, Ich wurde im Regen stehen gelassen. It is a strong way to say someone failed you. Use it when a promise is broken.
When To Use It
Use it when a colleague misses a deadline for your joint project. Use it when a friend cancels on your moving day. It fits perfectly in emotional or professional let-downs. It is great for venting to a third party. "Can you believe he just left me there?" becomes Er hat mich einfach im Regen stehen lassen. It adds a dramatic, visual touch to your complaint.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny, unimportant things. If someone forgets to bring a chocolate bar, it is too dramatic. This phrase implies a real need or a serious situation. Also, do not use it in very stiff legal documents. It is a vivid idiom, not a technical term. Avoid it if the person actually helped you but failed. It is specifically for when they do nothing at all.
Cultural Background
Germans value reliability and Pünktlichkeit (punctuality). Breaking a commitment is seen as a major social faux pas. The image of rain is powerful in Northern Europe. Rain is frequent, cold, and miserable. Standing in it without help is the ultimate symbol of being neglected. It reflects a culture that prizes the 'social contract' between friends and coworkers.
Common Variations
You might hear jemanden hängen lassen. This means 'to let someone hang' or 'to let someone down'. It is slightly more casual than the rain idiom. Another variation is jemanden im Stich lassen. This is even stronger and more serious. It implies a total betrayal of trust. The rain version is the perfect middle ground for everyday disappointments.
使い方のコツ
This idiom is neutral and very versatile. It is safe for work but carries emotional weight, so use it when you want to emphasize that someone's lack of help caused you actual trouble.
The Passive Voice
If you want to sound like a victim of circumstances, use the passive: 'Ich wurde im Regen stehen gelassen.' It shifts the focus to your misery.
Don't be too literal
If it is actually raining outside and you leave someone, just say 'Tschüss'. Using this phrase makes it sound like a deep betrayal of their soul!
The 'Stich' Alternative
If the situation is life-altering or a massive betrayal, use 'im Stich lassen'. It comes from old combat terms and is much heavier than 'Regen'.
例文
6Mein Kollege ist nicht gekommen und hat mich im Regen stehen lassen.
My colleague didn't show up and left me standing in the rain.
The speaker had to do the work alone.
Ich brauche Hilfe beim Umzug, bitte lass mich nicht im Regen stehen!
I need help moving, please don't let me down!
A plea for help using the idiom.
Er hat das Date abgesagt und mich einfach im Regen stehen lassen.
He canceled the date and just left me hanging.
Expressing frustration to a friend.
Sogar mein Hund hat mich im Regen stehen lassen und ist allein nach Hause gerannt.
Even my dog abandoned me and ran home alone.
Playful use of the literal and figurative meaning.
Die Regierung hat die Bürger im Regen stehen lassen.
The government has abandoned the citizens.
Used in a broader social context.
Ich dachte, du hilfst mir beim Abwasch, aber du lässt mich im Regen stehen.
I thought you'd help with the dishes, but you're leaving me to do it alone.
Slightly dramatic but common in families.
自分をテスト
Complete the sentence to say 'You are leaving me in the rain'.
Du ___ mich im Regen stehen.
The verb 'lassen' (to let/leave) is the core of this idiom.
Which word is missing in this common idiom?
Lass mich bitte nicht im ___ stehen!
While snow and wind are bad, the idiom specifically uses 'Regen' (rain).
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'Im Regen stehen lassen'
Used with friends and family during arguments.
Lass mich nicht hängen!
Perfect for work or general social complaints.
Er hat mich im Regen stehen lassen.
Used in journalism or speeches to criticize neglect.
Die Politik lässt die Jugend im Regen stehen.
When to use this phrase
Broken Promises
No-show for a project
Emergency
Car breaks down, friend won't pick you up
Workplace
Boss gives no instructions for a task
Social
Left alone at a party where you know no one
よくある質問
10 問Mostly yes, but you can also say a company or an organization lässt die Kunden im Regen stehen if their service is terrible.
It is quite direct. If you use it with a boss, you are accusing them of failing you. Use Ich fühle mich nicht ausreichend unterstützt for a softer touch.
No, it requires a situation where you actually needed help or support. Being bored is not enough of a 'storm'.
You would say Er hat mich im Regen stehen lassen. Note that lassen stays in the infinitive form here (double infinitive construction).
Not really. You would instead say Er hat mich nicht im Stich gelassen (He didn't let me down).
Usually, yes. It implies that there was an expectation of help that was suddenly withdrawn.
Only metaphorically. You wouldn't say your car left you in the rain, unless you are being very poetic about it breaking down.
Yes, it is a standard idiom understood from Hamburg to Munich.
You say Ich lasse dich nicht im Regen stehen. It sounds very loyal and supportive.
Hängen lassen is a bit more casual and can be used for smaller things, like forgetting to call someone back.
関連フレーズ
jemanden hängen lassen
To let someone hang / let someone down
jemanden im Stich lassen
To abandon someone in a serious way
jemandem den Rücken kehren
To turn one's back on someone
auf dem Trockenen sitzen
To be left high and dry
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