How to Pronounce "on the shelf"
expression
ON-thuh-SHELF
ON-thuh-SHELF
Definition
Literally, 'on the shelf' means placed on a shelf. Figuratively, it describes something forgotten, ignored, or not in use. It can also refer to someone (especially a woman) who is single for a long time.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈʃɛɫf
British English
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /ʃˈɛlf
Simplified Pronunciation
US
ON-thuh-SHELF
UK
ON-thuh-SHELF
Listen in Context
The books are on the shelf.
The project has been on the shelf for months.
Some toys stay on the shelf and are never played with.
After the update, this old app was left on the shelf.