The term 'LEAVES HIGH AND DRY' can be broken down into five crossword solutions: JILTS (5 letters), STRANDS (7 letters), DESERTS (7 letters), ABANDONS (8 letters), and MAROONS (7 letters). JILTS means to reject or abandon someone suddenly, while STRANDS means to leave someone in a difficult situation. DESERTS implies leaving someone without warning or explanation, and ABANDONS suggests leaving someone behind without any support. Finally, MAROONS implies deserting someone in a remote or isolated place. All of these words together describe the phrase 'LEAVES HIGH AND DRY', which means to leave someone in a difficult situation without any help or support.