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# on the shelf

idiom (adjective phrase used after «be» or «be left»: on the shelf)

«on the shelf» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, old-fashioned) unmarried and thought too old to marry (traditionally said of women).
2. (literal) placed on a shelf.
3. (informal) put aside, not used (a plan on the shelf).

### In the lessons

In the past people said it about unmarried women, which is now seen as unkind and old-fashioned; today it is often used ironically or about plans put aside. Old-fashioned register, mainly UK.

### Examples

- In old novels, she was worried about being left on the shelf.
- Put the book back on the shelf.
- The plan has been put on the shelf for now.
- Aunt May laughed about being «on the shelf» at thirty.
- The new stadium idea is on the shelf.
- My bike's been on the shelf all winter.

### Note

The marriage sense is old-fashioned and sexist; avoid it about real people. Context tells you which sense. Plain words: unmarried; put aside.