be a ghost of (someone's or something's) former self
be a ghost of (someone's or something's) former self
To be weaker or inferior in comparison to how someone or something was previously, often due to negative circumstances. After suffering from a prolonged illness, Sharon was a ghost of her former self. This town is a ghost of its former self after so many of its residents have moved away.
See also: former, ghost, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
be a shadow/ghost of your/its former ˈself
not have the strength, influence, etc. that you/something used to have: He’d been ill for some time, and he looked a shadow of his former self. The old house, which had once been so full of life, was now just a ghost of its former self.See also: former, ghost, of, shadow
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- be a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
- be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self
- became
- become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
- red-headed stepchild
- stepchild
- second best
- a cut below
- a weak link
- weak link