became

become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self

To become weaker or inferior in comparison to how someone or something was previously, often due to negative circumstances. Suffering from a prolonged illness caused Sharon to become a shadow of her former self. This town became a shadow of its former self after so many local businesses closed down.
See also: become, former, of, shadow

become grounds for (something)

To form the basis for some action or decision, often one that is disciplinary or legal in nature. If you get caught plagiarizing, it becomes grounds for expulsion, you know.
See also: become, ground

become involved with (something)

To establish an association, typically work related, with something or some organization. Johnny's become involved with a nonprofit health clinic during his summer vacation. I've become involved with Scott's campaign for mayor.
See also: become, involved

become of (one)

To happen to or befall one. I haven't seen my childhood best friend in years. I wonder what became of her.
See also: become, of

become pushed for cash

To suddenly have only a small or limited amount of money available. I always seem to become pushed for cash in the days leading up to payday. We should start cutting down on some of our expenses before we become pushed for cash.
See also: become, cash, push

become pushed for money

To suddenly have only small or limited amount of money available. I always seem to become pushed for money in the days leading up to payday. We should start cutting down on some of our expenses before we become pushed for money.
See also: become, money, push

become pushed for time

To suddenly have only small or limited amount of time available. I planned to cook dinner, but then I became a bit pushed for time—so how do you feel about ordering a pizza? I'm sorry, I can't chat for long. I need to go pick up the kids, and I don't want to become pushed for time.
See also: become, push, time

become unglued

1. informal To become extremely upset or emotional. Poor Jane really became unglued during the funeral service.
2. informal To begin to fail or become untenable; to fall apart. Boy, this party is really becoming unglued. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests aren't coming. They're marriage eventually became unglued after he discovered that his wife was having an affair.
See also: become, unglued

become unstuck

To encounter setbacks or fail altogether. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Boy, this party is really becoming unstuck. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests aren't coming.
See also: become, unstuck

tempers frayed

Things became tense among people; people lost their tempers. Tempers frayed at Thanksgiving when Uncle Stu and Aunt Marsha started arguing about politics.
See also: fray, temper

What became of (someone or something)?

What happened to someone or something? What was the end result for someone or something? What ever became of Jared? You used to be such good friends, but you haven't mentioned him once since he moved away. Scientists are still trying to determine what became of the probe, which they lost contact with ten days ago.
See also: became, of, what

What has become of (someone or something)?

What has happened to someone or something? What did the result end up being for someone or something? Sometimes used to express regret or anger over current the state of someone or something. What has become of our great nation? It feels like everything we strove for fifty years ago has been completely eroded. I wonder what's become of Jared. We used to be such good friends, but ever since he moved away I've heard nothing from him. Scientists are still trying to determine what has become of the probe, which they lost contact with ten days ago.
See also: become, of, what

what will become of (someone or something)

What will happen to someone or something); what will the end result be for someone or something. What will become of our troops when they return home from the war? Will they get the resources they need to readapt to civilian life? Scientists are still trying to determine what will become of the probe once it loses auxiliary power.
See also: become, of, what, will
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

what will become/has become/became of somebody/something?

used to ask what will happen or what has happened to somebody/something: What became of that student who used to live with you? I hate to think what will become of them if they lose their home.
See also: became, become, of, somebody, what, will
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
  • be a ghost of (someone's or something's) former self
  • be a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
  • be a shadow/ghost of your/its former self
  • red-headed stepchild
  • stepchild
  • second best
  • a cut below
  • a weak link
  • weak link
References in classic literature
When evening came she heard the noise of footsteps outside, and became aware that the lion had come to the mouth of the cave, and shook itself there, after which she heard a man coming towards the couch.
There was a fierce battle then, and the sea became so stormy that it was not very easy to keep the boat from being filled by the waves.
Next he asked for the hand of Hadvor, which the King readily gave him, and being now an old man, gave the kingdom to him as well; and so Hermod became King.
Yellow Fairy Book
A half-witted boy of the school became enamored of the young master.
As his hard knuck- les beat down into the frightened face of the school- master, his wrath became more and more terrible.
In the darkness he could not see the hands and they became quiet.
Winesberg Ohio
But although he gained this by his writing, it was not because the people liked his books, but because one man liked them or was eager to have his name upon them, and therefore became his patron.
He got work to do at last, and became one of the first newspaper reporters.
English Literature For Boys And Girls
Helen Griem was elected president, and the group became affiliated with MTNA shortly after this initial meeting.
State affiliates recognized. (National Association News)
The Mishkan became a vehicle for spiritual rootedness within nomadism, within mobility.
The Mishkan as metaphor-form and anti-form: on the transformation of urban space
The patients in question had all used commercially available topical gentamicin preparations for an average of 16 days before they became toxic in the presence of a tympanic membrane perforation, and their ear(s) had stopped discharging over the treatment course many days previously.
Update on topical ototoxicity in chronic suppurative otitis media
And this was regarded in astronomical circles as little short of a miracle, such that Gauss became famous overnight and his principle of least squares came to be one of the most important tools in further scientific discoveries.
Dissecting a breakthrough: the unexpected importance of basic scientific research in improving public health
Larison met one woman in her late 60s who had always wanted to become Catholic but whose mother, a fundamentalist Protestant, "thought Catholics were Satan himself." When the woman's mother died, both she and her sister became Catholic.
Trading spaces: the moving experience of converts
Canada Stephen Harper, 47, became Canada's Prime Minister in January 2006.
Who's who among world leaders