in the lurch (adverb)

1. As the hero's allies were captured and held hostage, he found himself in the lurch, completely outnumbered and without any magical powers to rely on.

2. In the climactic battle, the main character was suddenly left in the lurch when their trusted sidekick turned against them and joined forces with the enemy.

3. After crash-landing on a deserted planet, the astronaut was stranded and left in the lurch, with no means of communication to contact Earth for assistance.

4. When the goddess of fortune abandoned him, the proud king found himself in the lurch, facing numerous challenges and misfortunes that tested his resilience and determination.