Fall by the wayside
verb phrase
To fail or stop making progress, often due to neglect, or become irrelevant or unused.
Many of the concepts we learned in school have fallen by the wayside as we've grown older.
Often appears as...
- ideas fall by the wayside
- plans fall by the wayside
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be left out or forgotten.
Without constant reminders, many people let their gym memberships fall by the wayside.
Often appears as...
- exercise falls by the wayside
- responsibilities fall by the wayside
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To fail or stop making progress, often due to neglect, or become irrelevant or unused.
Many of the concepts we learned in school have fallen by the wayside as we've grown older.
Often appears as...
- ideas fall by the wayside
- plans fall by the wayside
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To be left out or forgotten.
Without constant reminders, many people let their gym memberships fall by the wayside.
Often appears as...
- exercise falls by the wayside
- responsibilities fall by the wayside
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Neglect
This phrase often suggests something is unintentionally forgotten amid other concerns.
His personal projects fell by the wayside when work became too demanding.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disappointment
It implies a sense of disappointment or failure without directly stating it.
Her dreams of being a dancer fell by the wayside as years passed.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Usage
Often used in conversations about goals, plans, and ambitions that have been abandoned.
Many reforms fall by the wayside due to political resistance.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Neglect
This phrase often suggests something is unintentionally forgotten amid other concerns.
His personal projects fell by the wayside when work became too demanding.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disappointment
It implies a sense of disappointment or failure without directly stating it.
Her dreams of being a dancer fell by the wayside as years passed.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Usage
Often used in conversations about goals, plans, and ambitions that have been abandoned.
Many reforms fall by the wayside due to political resistance.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Neglect
This phrase often suggests something is unintentionally forgotten amid other concerns.
His personal projects fell by the wayside when work became too demanding.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Disappointment
It implies a sense of disappointment or failure without directly stating it.
Her dreams of being a dancer fell by the wayside as years passed.
Pro Tip 3/3Contextual Usage
Often used in conversations about goals, plans, and ambitions that have been abandoned.
Many reforms fall by the wayside due to political resistance.
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