on the shelf

phrase

Synonyms of on the shelfnext
: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of on the shelf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The right-hander from Cal Poly SLO was a key piece in the 2024 trade that sent Dylan Cease to the Padres but has spent nearly two full seasons on the shelf. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026 Nobody expected a three-homer spectacle after 100 days on the shelf. Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2026 With Adames, Matt Chapman, Casey Schmitt, Daniel Susac, Harrison Bader and Marcelo Mayer all on the shelf (among others), the Giants are looking at the possibility of losing 100 games for just the second time in franchise history. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2026 Sticky Outdoor Toys Instead of stashing dirty or damaged outdoor toys back on the shelf, go through every item and carefully inspect it, discarding any broken or torn toys and giving dirty ones a good deep clean. Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the shelf

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Cite this Entry

“On the shelf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20shelf. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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