become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- became
- 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