left in the shade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left in the shade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is overlooked, neglected, or not given attention compared to others. Example: "While her colleagues received praise for their work, she felt left in the shade, despite her contributions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Take it from us: Visors and pill boxes have been left in the shade.

The New York Times

In some of the older songs in the set, implications were fastened to symbolic objects: a raincoat, a cathedral, "an empty bottle left in the shade".

The New York Times - Arts

Early intelligence suggests that pink, being the least unexpected of the pastels, will be left in the shade by blue, green and yellow tones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It bears a blocky resemblance to the 110-story Willis Tower in Chicago, formerly the Sears Tower, which was the world's tallest building until 1998 but is now being left in the shade by numerous rivals.

The New York Times

"Spanish Song Bird" is a depressive's cry — "Life is an endless parade / it's no sweet lemonade / only an empty bottle left in the shade" — turned into a slow soft-shoe.

The New Yorker

"Spanish Song Bird" is a depressive's cry—"Life is an endless parade / it's no sweet lemonade / only an empty bottle left in the shade"—turned into a slow soft-shoe.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Some will be left behind in the shade of their competitors.

Princeton University

Grunting grows The States can now claim the top-three grunters, Serena and Venus Williams having left Monica Seles in the shade this year.

The Guardian - Sport

But what a striking contrast to the days building up to the race, when Schumacher and Rosberg met the media and the public, and Schumacher drew so much attention with crowds surrounding him everywhere he went that it left Rosberg in the shade.

The New York Times - Sports

For once, Belfast's orange versus green stand-off was left completely in the shade as the Giro d'Italia's signature pink was all pervasive on a memorable night of sporting action.

BBC

Her sherbet-colored pleated silk-and-cashmere wraps ($350) leave pashminas in the shade.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "left in the shade" when you want to convey that something or someone is being overshadowed or not given due attention due to the presence or actions of another.

Common error

Avoid using "left in the shade" literally when describing a physical location with shade. It's primarily an idiom for being overshadowed or neglected, not simply being located in a shaded area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left in the shade" functions as an idiomatic expression. It typically acts as a predicate adjective, describing the state of being overshadowed, neglected, or less prominent compared to something else. As Ludwig AI suggests, this expression is usable in written English to describe something that is overlooked or not given attention compared to others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "left in the shade" is a grammatically sound and idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone being overshadowed or neglected. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. While not overly formal, it is suitable for various contexts, most commonly appearing in news and media, as demonstrated by Ludwig. When writing, remember that this phrase is best used to express a comparative lack of prominence or attention, rather than a literal physical location. Alternatives like "overshadowed" or "eclipsed" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Use with caution the literal meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overshadowed

Focuses on being dominated or made less significant by something else.

eclipsed

Implies being completely obscured or surpassed, often suddenly.

outshone

Highlights being surpassed in brilliance or achievement.

relegated to the background

Emphasizes being moved to a less prominent position or role.

put in the shadows

Indicates being deliberately placed in a less favorable or visible position.

overlooked

Focuses on not being noticed or considered.

neglected

Highlights a lack of care or attention.

diminished in importance

Stresses a reduction in significance or value.

faded into obscurity

Suggests a gradual loss of recognition or prominence.

consigned to oblivion

Implies being completely forgotten or disregarded.

FAQs

How can I use "left in the shade" in a sentence?

You can use "left in the shade" to describe something or someone being overshadowed or neglected. For example: "The smaller companies were "left in the shade" by the industry giants."

What does it mean to be "left in the shade"?

Being "left in the shade" means being overshadowed, neglected, or not receiving as much attention or recognition as others.

What can I say instead of "left in the shade"?

Alternatives include "overshadowed", "eclipsed", or "relegated to the background" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "left in the shade" a formal or informal expression?

"Left in the shade" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal writing might prefer a less idiomatic alternative.