leave (one) to stew in (one's) own juice(s)

leave (one) to stew in (one's) own juice(s)

To leave someone alone with their emotions, usually unpleasant ones like guilt, anger, or anxiety, without offering them comfort or closure on the matter. Kevin was in such a foul mood at dinner that I went home early and left him to stew in his own juice. After the kids broke the window, I left them to stew in their own juices for a while before laying into them about it. I can tell that the boss is upset with how my report turned out, but I think he's just leaving me to stew in my own juices about it before he brings it up.See also: leave, own, stew