Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

To leave someone in the lurch.

To desert someone in his difficulties

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "to leave someone in the lurch" is to desert someone in his difficulties.

The idiom means to abandon or forsake someone who is in need of help or support. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has been promised help, but then that help is not provided.

For example, you might say that someone has been "left in the lurch" if they have been promised a job, but then the job offer is withdrawn at the last minute.