On the shelf

phrase

Stored and not currently used or in action.

The plans for the new building have been on the shelf for years.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Stored and not currently used or in action

Often appears as...

  • put on the shelf
  • left on the shelf

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Unmarried or not involved in a romantic relationship.

Her aunt always worries she'll end up on the shelf.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Unmarried or not involved in a romantic relationship

Often appears as...

  • left on the shelf
  • end up on the shelf

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

In a state of being unsold or unused.

There is plenty of stock on the shelf in the warehouse.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - In a state of being unsold or unused

Often appears as...

  • stuck on the shelf
  • remain on the shelf
phrase

Set aside and available when needed.

The emergency supplies are on the shelf in case of a disaster.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Set aside and available when needed

Often appears as...

  • put on the shelf
  • kept on the shelf
phrase

Stored and not currently used or in action.

The plans for the new building have been on the shelf for years.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Stored and not currently used or in action

Often appears as...

  • put on the shelf
  • left on the shelf

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Unmarried or not involved in a romantic relationship.

Her aunt always worries she'll end up on the shelf.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Unmarried or not involved in a romantic relationship

Often appears as...

  • left on the shelf
  • end up on the shelf

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

In a state of being unsold or unused.

There is plenty of stock on the shelf in the warehouse.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - In a state of being unsold or unused

Often appears as...

  • stuck on the shelf
  • remain on the shelf
phrase

Set aside and available when needed.

The emergency supplies are on the shelf in case of a disaster.
Visual representation of "on the shelf" - Set aside and available when needed

Often appears as...

  • put on the shelf
  • kept on the shelf
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "on the shelf"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Neglected Projects

Refers to plans or ideas that are ignored and no longer considered.

Illustration for Neglected Projects
After the budget cut, our research project was put on the shelf.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Indefinite Pause

Suggests something is paused with no specific time to resume.

Illustration for Indefinite Pause
Her acting career is on the shelf while she pursues her degree.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Neglected Projects

Refers to plans or ideas that are ignored and no longer considered.

Illustration for Neglected Projects
After the budget cut, our research project was put on the shelf.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Indefinite Pause

Suggests something is paused with no specific time to resume.

Illustration for Indefinite Pause
Her acting career is on the shelf while she pursues her degree.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Neglected Projects

Refers to plans or ideas that are ignored and no longer considered.

Illustration for Neglected Projects
After the budget cut, our research project was put on the shelf.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Indefinite Pause

Suggests something is paused with no specific time to resume.

Illustration for Indefinite Pause
Her acting career is on the shelf while she pursues her degree.
Visual representation of the word "On the shelf"

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