"Drop by the wayside" is an idiomatic expression that refers to someone or something being left behind or abandoned, often due to a lack of support, attention or effort. The phrase can be understood both literally and figuratively. Literally, it originated from the act of people on a journey or a long walk falling by the wayside, unable to continue. Figuratively, it signifies a similar scenario where a person or an idea loses momentum or fails to progress.
This expression conveys the idea of something or someone being discarded or neglected along the way towards a particular goal or destination. It suggests a sense of being left behind or falling behind while others move forward. It often denotes the loss of relevance, importance, or effectiveness, as well as the lack of ability to keep up with others or the demands of a particular situation.
The phrase "drop by the wayside" is commonly used to describe various scenarios. For instance, in the context of personal development, it can refer to individuals who give up on their goals or aspirations due to obstacles, lack of motivation, or discouragement. In a competitive setting, it may imply a team or a competitor losing their position or falling out of contention. Moreover, it can describe the abandonment or disregard of an idea, plan, or project that was once deemed important or promising but ultimately fails to materialize or gain significant support.
In summary, "drop by the wayside" signifies being left behind or abandoned due to a lack of support or effort, either literally or figuratively. It conveys the notion of becoming irrelevant or losing momentum in a journey or pursuit.
