Drop by the wayside Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To stop participating, fail to continue, or be left behind in an activity, process, or competition.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, often informal expression. Used for people, projects, or ideas that do not make it to the end. Common in discussions about change, competition, or progress. Not used about physical dropping; don't confuse with literal 'drop'. 'Fall by the wayside' is a common variant.
Example Sentences
Many students drop by the wayside during the first year of college.
basic
Some ideas drop by the wayside when a project takes too long.
basic
Old habits may drop by the wayside if you change your routine.
basic
Several team members dropped by the wayside before we finished the project.
natural
Don’t let your dreams drop by the wayside because of small setbacks.
natural
Every year, hundreds of startups drop by the wayside despite having good ideas.
natural