This expression means to be put aside as of no further use. The saying is a metaphor from everyday life: When something or someone isn't in demand, and is no longer likely to be, they are 'on the shelf'. It is used to describe objects, people or projects. The phrase was first recorded in the nineteenth century.

Übersetzung:

zum alten Eisen gehören

Gegenteil(e)

The opposite of "to be left on the shelf" is "to fly off the shelf" or "to sell like hot cakes".

Synonym(e):

You could also say: to be no longer desirable.