fall by the wayside

Meaning

To be cast aside, neglected, abandoned, or forgotten, especially in favor of other priorities. In business, it often describes plans, projects, or habits that fail to be completed because people lose interest or focus.

Examples

• During the busy season, our weekly team-building exercises usually fall by the wayside.

  During the busy season, our weekly team-building exercises usually fall by the wayside.

• Many new year's resolutions fall by the wayside before the end of January.

  Many new year's resolutions fall by the wayside before the end of January.

• As the company grew, its original commitment to customer service fell by the wayside.

  As the company grew, its original commitment to customer service fell by the wayside.

• We had great ideas during the brainstorming session, but most of them fell by the wayside.

  We had great ideas during the brainstorming session, but most of them fell by the wayside.

• Without a dedicated project manager, this initiative is likely to fall by the wayside.

  Without a dedicated project manager, this initiative is likely to fall by the wayside.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The old computer fell by the wayside because we bought a new one.

  ✓ The old computer was cast aside because we bought a new one.

  'Fall by the wayside' is typically used for abstract things like plans, goals, habits, or ideas, rather than physical, discarded objects.

• ✗ I fell by the wayside on my way to the office.

  ✓ I got distracted on my way to the office.

  People do not literally 'fall by the wayside' in modern usage. It is a metaphorical idiom for projects or habits being neglected.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Due to the urgent budget cuts, our plans for office renovations have unfortunately had to ___.

  💡 be abandoned or neglected

  Show answer

  fall by the wayside

• It is easy to let your healthy eating habits ___ when you are stressed at work.

  💡 be forgotten or cast aside

  Show answer

  fall by the wayside