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.

Definizione e significato di "on the shelf"in inglese

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