[cut the
ground from under] {v. phr.} {informal} To make (someone) fail; upset the plans
of; spoil the argument for (a person) in advance.
Paul wanted to be captain
but we cut the ground from under him by saying that Henry was the best player on
the team.
Several workers applied for the retiring foreman's job, but the
owner cut the ground from under them by hiring a foreman from another
company.
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