A shadow of your former self Meaning in English

expression

US

uh SHAD-oh uhv yor FOR-mer self

UK

uh SHAD-oh uhv yaw FOR-muh self

Definition

If you are a shadow of your former self, you are much weaker, less healthy, or less confident than you used to be. It describes someone who has physically or emotionally changed for the worse.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in a sympathetic or concerned tone. Refers to loss due to illness, stress, trauma, or age. Not used literally. Common: 'He is a shadow of his former self.' Avoid using it for minor or positive changes.

• Spanish: una sombra de lo que eras antes - una sombra de tu antiguo yo
• Portuguese (BR): uma sombra do que você era antes - uma sombra do seu antigo eu
• Portuguese (PT): uma sombra do que eras antes - uma sombra do teu antigo eu
• Chinese (Simplified): 昔日的影子 - 大不如前
• Chinese (Traditional): 昔日的影子 - 大不如前
• Hindi: अपने पुराने स्वरूप की छाया
• Arabic: ظل لما كنت عليه في السابق
• Bengali: আগের নিজেকে ছায়া মনে হওয়া - আগের তুলনায় দুর্বল হয়ে যাওয়া
• Russian: тень самого себя
• Japanese: かつての自分の影
• Vietnamese: chỉ còn là cái bóng của chính mình trước đây
• Korean: 예전 같지 않다 - 예전의 자신에 비해 약해지다
• Turkish: eski halinin gölgesi
• Urdu: اپنے سابقہ وجود کا سایہ
• Indonesian: bayangan dari dirinya yang dulu

Example Sentences

After his illness, he became a shadow of his former self.

basic

She is a shadow of her former self since the accident.

basic

He used to be so active, but now he's a shadow of his former self.

basic

After losing his job, Tom just isn't the same — he's a shadow of his former self.

natural

You wouldn't even recognize her—she's a shadow of her former self these days.

natural

Since his divorce, Mark's been a shadow of his former self—quiet and withdrawn.

natural