on the shelf
The phrase "on the shelf" is used in various contexts to describe something or someone that is inactive, unused, or overlooked.
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Definition
B2General
(common)Not currently in use or active; set aside or postponed.
Example
- The project was put on the shelf due to budget cuts.
- Her novel remained on the shelf for years before it was finally published.
B1Retail
(common)Available for purchase or use, typically referring to products in a store.
Example
- The new model is now on the shelf and ready for customers.
- We need to restock; the items are flying off the shelf.
C1Informal
(informal, potentially offensive)No longer considered suitable for marriage or a romantic relationship, often due to age.
Example
- In some cultures, a woman over thirty might be considered on the shelf.
- She hates the idea of being seen as on the shelf just because she's single.
B2Sports
(sports)Injured and therefore not able to participate in activities or games.
Example
- The star player is on the shelf with a knee injury.
- After his accident, he was on the shelf for the rest of the season.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the shelf":
top shelfon the tableon the stockson the benchon the marketon the booksin storeon the floorin the closeton one's platein the canon the hookback burneron the line