on the shelf

phrase

: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of on the shelf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

So real reform that is bipartisan has been left on the shelf amidst rising healthcare costs because of the governor’s unwillingness and failure of leadership, and that’s what matters to Connecticut residents – results. — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for on the shelf

• ourself
• bookshelf
• herself
• himself
• hisself
• itself
• meself
• myself
• nonself
• oneself
• thyself
• yourself