fall by the wayside
Meaning
To fail, be abandoned, or stop being pursued as time goes on (a plan, project, habit, etc.).
Origin
From the literal idea of travelers or objects dropping beside a road and being left behind; popularized in English via the Bible (Parable of the Sower: seeds that fell by the wayside and did not grow).
Notes
Often refers to plans, habits, or initiatives that gradually get dropped. Can also describe people who fail to keep up. Slightly formal/written in tone.
Examples
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When the team got busy with a new client, the website redesign plans fell by the wayside.
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She started learning French, but it fell by the wayside once work became hectic.
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Many good habits fall by the wayside during the holidays.
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Our weekly check-ins fell by the wayside after the manager left.
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Without steady funding, the community garden project may fall by the wayside.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: "fall by the wayside" (usually without "a/the"). Tense can change (fell/has fallen/will fall). Common with subjects like "plans," "efforts," "good intentions."
Synonyms
- fail
- be abandoned
- fizzle out
- drop off
- fall through
Antonyms
- succeed
- go ahead
- come to fruition
- take off
- follow through