Idioms

has-been

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has-been

A person who is no longer admired, famous, or popular. The young actor constantly sought media attention because he feared becoming a has-been too early in his career. You're not even a has-been, you're a never-was! I don't know why they overpaid for that has-been—he hasn't played well since the early days of his career.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

has

see under have.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

has-been

(ˈhæzbɪn)
1. n. someone who used to be important; a person whose career has ended. Marty is just a has-been. There’s no future for him.
2. mod. former; burnt-out. Some has-been singer croaked through “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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References in periodicals archive
It has been efficiently run by the general manager, Anthony de Leon, since 1997 and he has done a wonderful job making it feel like home for many.
But he has been shocked by the reaction from others.
Summary: TEHRAN (FNA)- Sean Stone, son of the renowned Oscar winning director Oliver Stone, said he has been the target of animosities since he came back to the US from a visit to Iran, where he converted to Islam.
"It has been a great honour to represent the people of Clwyd South," she said.
My development has been aided by the support I get here."
In closing, feel assured there is a metalcaster in Jackson, Mo., that has been and always will maintain American pride in its production and facility.
Similarly, the Institute's sponsorship program (which has played a significant role in TEI's not having to increase dues since 1990) has been re-evaluated from top to bottom.
As police, community and religious leaders have acted to bring calm, there has been much debate about the root of the problem.
"The ingot business has been in general declining, but since 1980, we have continued to grow," he says, describing the company's growth pattern as "plateau stages." He adds, "Basically, by adding a furnace or adding a shift, we'll grow by 3, 4 or 5 million pounds and then we'll level out for three or four years and then we'll take another leap."
This has been particularly helpful this year, in keeping perspective on personal issues (building a new house, hiring and firing builders and all that that entails), while managing a dynamic professional environment.
While it has been hard to maintain humility in the face of what I see as an unfair accusation rather than becoming defensive, I constantly remind myself of the need to be humble and honest nonetheless, since my character is on the line.
Understanding my own sexuality has been a long, tortured process, in large part because true bisexuality is invisible in both gay and straight culture.
Kennedy has been writing one award-winning book after another.
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