Idiom
leave someone holding the bag
Theme: BLAME
to leave someone to take all the blame; to leave someone appearing guilty. (Informal.)They all ran off and left me holding the bag. It wasn't even my fault.It was the mayor's fault, but he wasn't left holding the bag.
Idiom
leave someone holding the bagleave (someone) holding the bag
to make someone else take all of the responsibility.If we loan the company money we want to be sure it won't fail and leave us holding the bag.