Шукати
on the shelf
01
зріла, але самотня жінка
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.
Приклад
The unfinished novel lay on the shelf, gathering dust, as the author struggled with writer's block.
She decided to pat the dust off the old book before placing it on the shelf.
After reading the magazine, he put it back on the shelf.
He struggled to get the heavy box up and place it on the shelf.
He closed the folder and placed it neatly on the shelf.
