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Empty shell
01
a person who can no longer feel any strong emotions, often after experiencing something heartbreaking
Idiom
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Human
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
empty shells
What is the origin of the idiom "empty shell" and when to use it?
The phrase "empty shell" is an idiomatic expression that likens a person or thing to a hollow or vacant shell. It is used to describe a person or thing that appears to be devoid of emotions, personality, or purpose. It suggests that the individual or object lacks depth, energy, or the qualities that make them engaging or meaningful.
Examples
After the breakup, he was just an empty shell.
