go by the wayside: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go by the wayside’ mean?
The idiom "go by the wayside" means to be forgotten or abandoned, usually due to a lack of attention or interest.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw aside" means to disregard or ignore something or someone, usually in a careless or dismissive manner.
The idiom "leave behind" means to forget or not bring something with you when you go somewhere. It can also mean to abandon or neglect someone or something.
The idiom "leave behind" is a well-known phrase in English that has various meanings and uses. Here is a comprehensive analysis of the idiom for a US audience.
The idiom "leave at the door" means to put aside or forget about something, usually negative or burdensome, and not let it affect the current situation or environment.
The idiom "kick to the curb" means to reject or dismiss someone or something, usually in a harsh or abrupt manner.
The idiom "kick to the curb" is a common expression in American English, used primarily in colloquial speech. It is a figurative phrase that conveys the act of rejecting or dismissing someone or something in a forceful and definitive manner.
The idiom "go without" is a commonly used expression in English, and its meaning has evolved over time. Here, we will delve into the etymology and usage of the idiom to gain a comprehensive understanding of its significance.
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" means to become extinct or disappear completely, like the dodo bird did several centuries ago. It implies that something or someone is on the path towards total disappearance or obsolescence.
The idiom "go the way of the dinosaurs" means to become extinct or obsolete, similar to how dinosaurs disappeared from the Earth millions of years ago.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
The idiom "go their separate ways" means to separate or part ways, typically after a period of being together or working together.
Understood. The sub-heading for the article section about the meaning of the idiom "go by the wayside" will be: "The Vanishing Act"
"fall by the wayside" is another idiom that is closely related to "go by the wayside." This phrase carries a similar meaning of being neglected or forgotten, but it often implies that someone or something has failed or not been able to keep up with others. It suggests that the individual or item in question has not met the standards or expectations set by others, leading to their eventual decline or disappearance. This idiom is often used to describe a person or group of people who were once part of a competition or race but were unable to continue.
Similarly, "go by the board" is an idiom that shares similarities with "go by the wayside." This phrase suggests that something or someone has been disregarded or abandoned, often in favor of a different option or course of action. It implies that the previous choice or plan has been cast aside and replaced with something else, rendering it obsolete or no longer relevant. This idiom can be used to describe both small, everyday decisions and larger, more significant changes in direction.
Another idiom that aligns with the concept of neglect or abandonment is "throw aside." This phrase suggests a deliberate act of disregarding or discarding something or someone, often with a sense of indifference or disrespect. It implies a purposeful decision to no longer value or pay attention to the person or item in question, resulting in their exclusion or exclusion from a particular situation or group. "Throw aside" conveys a stronger sense of intentionality and disregard compared to "go by the wayside" or "fall by the wayside."
Overall, the idiom "go by the wayside" encapsulates the idea of neglect or abandonment in a concise and relatable manner. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from everyday occurrences to larger societal shifts. The phrase's simplicity and versatility make it a valuable tool for expressing the ephemeral nature of human experiences and the ever-changing priorities of individuals and communities.
When thinking about idioms that relate to "go by the wayside," two phrases that often come to mind are "fall by the wayside" and "go by the board." All three idioms share a common theme of neglect or abandonment, but each has its own nuances and implications. While "go by the wayside" is more general in its meaning, "fall by the wayside" suggests a sense of failure or inability to keep up. "Go by the board," on the other hand, implies a deliberate choice to discard or replace something. Another related phrase is "throw aside," which conveys a strong sense of intentional disregard or disrespect.
In a race or competition, it is not uncommon for some participants to "fall by the wayside." This means that they are unable to keep up with the others or meet the established standards, resulting in their eventual decline or elimination from the competition. These individuals may have started with high hopes and aspirations, but were ultimately unable to continue due to various factors such as lack of skill, resources, or motivation. As the race progresses, some participants inevitably "fall by the wayside," unable to keep pace with the frontrunners.
Similarly, when a plan or decision is made, it is possible for it to "go by the board" in favor of a different option. This means that the initial choice or course of action has been cast aside or abandoned in favor of something else. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as new information coming to light, changing circumstances, or a reassessment of the situation. When a plan "goes by the board," it is essentially disregarded or rendered obsolete, replaced by a new course of action.
Another way that something or someone can be neglected or forgotten is by being "thrown aside." This phrase suggests a deliberate act of disregarding or discarding, often with a sense of indifference or disrespect. When something is "thrown aside," it is no longer valued or given attention. This can apply to objects, ideas, or even individuals. People or things that are "thrown aside" are excluded or ignored, often with a sense of disdain or disregard for their worth or significance.
While these idioms share a common theme of neglect or abandonment, they each convey different nuances and implications. "Go by the wayside" is a more general expression that encompasses various situations where something or someone is neglected or forgotten. "Fall by the wayside" adds the element of failure or inability to keep up, often seen in competitive or goal-oriented contexts. "Go by the board" suggests a deliberate choice to discard or replace something, while "throw aside" conveys a stronger sense of intentionality and indifference. These idioms allow for a variety of expressions when discussing the neglect or abandonment of ideas, plans, skills, or individuals.
Overall, the idiom "go by the wayside" and its related phrases provide a versatile and relatable way to express the idea of neglect or abandonment. Whether it is something or someone failing to meet expectations and being left behind, a plan or decision being discarded in favor of a different option, or a deliberate act of disregarding or disrespecting, these idioms capture the transient and dynamic nature of human experiences. As society and individuals evolve, priorities shift, and certain things or people inevitably become less relevant or forgotten. "Go by the wayside," along with its related idioms, serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of life and the need to adapt and embrace new directions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "go by the wayside" can be used in a sentence:
- With the rise of technology, traditional newspapers have gone by the wayside.
- In the fast-paced world of fashion, trends often go by the wayside as quickly as they emerge.
- During times of economic crisis, luxuries tend to go by the wayside as people focus on their basic needs.
More "Obsolete" idioms
