Meaning
To be left high and dry / To be left hanging
Example
Ele ficou esperando pela promessa de emprego que não veio, ficou a ver navios.
He waited for the job offer that never came. He was left high and dry.
Origin
The phrase is commonly tied to the 1578 Battle of Alcácer-Quibir, where young King Sebastião of Portugal vanished in Morocco. Crowds gathered at the high ground of Alto de Santa Catarina in Lisbon waiting for ships that never returned — the start of the messianic 'Sebastianismo' myth.
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More idioms
Acertar na moscaTo guess correctly / To hit the nail on the headAmigo da onçaA fake/false friendAndar na linhaTo toe the line / To behave properlyArmar um barracoTo cause a public sceneRodar a baianaTo cause a public scene / To go ballisticArrumar sarna pra se coçarTo ask for troubleArrastar as asasTo hit on someone / To flirtAbrir o jogoTo come clean / To open upArregaçar as mangasTo roll up one's sleeves / To get to workAgarrar com unhas e dentesTo hold on for dear life / To seize an opportunity