on the shelf

phrase

: in a state of inactivity or uselessness

Examples of on the shelf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even great books can acquire dust on the shelf; an infusion of feeling helps keep them alive. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

While Aaron Judge is on the shelf for the entirety of this best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, other New York Yankees homegrown talent stepped up to take Game 1 in the Bronx on Tuesday night. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for on the shelf

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