The phrase to be left holding the bag is as widely used as the expression to let the cat out of the bag.

VOA: special.2009.01.25

Down he came,very slowly. Soon,both men were busy placing experiments to be left behind on the moon.

VOA: special.2009.07.15

She was in no condition to be left alone while he went to find help.

VOA: special.2009.10.31

He felt Spain should be left alone to honor its promises to the Cuban people.

VOA: special.2010.07.08

Slavery could be left alone in the South until it slowly died.

VOA: special.2009.06.11

President McKinley felt Spain should be left alone to honor its promises.

VOA: special.2010.07.15

All rocks,historical objects, plants,and wildlife must be left untouched.

VOA: special.2009.10.07

They said they only wanted to be left alone.

VOA: special.2009.10.22

They just wanted to be left alone.

VOA: special.2009.11.05

The concern is that the supplies will run out pretty quickly and our vehicle will be left stranded.

VOA: standard.2010.01.14

"Things are too important to be left to risky policies under these two people.

VOA: standard.2010.04.30

and where is our story going to be left if Edward is not there?

VOA: standard.2009.11.23

Critics of the IMF say, however that they fear the agency will only provide credit lines to medium-sized economies, while poor countries who need them most will be left out.

VOA: standard.2009.04.22

"Israel will be left with the choice of saying 'no' both to the United States and to the Palestinians, and to the Arab world, or to say 'yes' and confront the settlers and his constituency,"

VOA: standard.2009.06.09