expression, ichidan verb
be left high and dry; be abandoned by one's supporters; have the rug pulled from under one
Idiomatic expression meaning to be deserted by those who previously supported you, especially after reaching a high position, leaving you stranded.
社長になった途端、梯子を外されて孤立した。
As soon as he became president, he was left high and dry and isolated.
彼は仲間に梯子を外されて、プロジェクトから外された。
He had the rug pulled from under him by his colleagues and was removed from the project.