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on the shelf
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used to refer to a woman who is unmarried despite being older than the typical age traditionally associated with marriage
What is the origin of the idiom "on the shelf" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "on the shelf" can be traced back to the practice of placing items, particularly books, on a shelf for storage or display. Over time, the phrase took on a figurative meaning when applied to people, particularly unmarried women, who were considered past the typical age for marriage. It is used to describe someone, especially a woman, who is not married and is seen as being too old to get married. the phrase "on the shelf" can be considered somewhat old-fashioned. It reflects traditional societal expectations and judgments related to age and marriage.
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The heavy books stacked on the shelf over time warped the thin board, making it curve.
The piggy bank on the shelf was a bright and shiny piggy pink color.
She put the books in order by size on the shelf.
The book on the shelf had a purple cover.
She stacked the books vertically on the shelf to save space.
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