be a shadow/ghost of your/its 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. The company used to be at the top of the industry, but after years of bad decisions and poor management, it's little more than a ghost of its former self now.

See also: former, ghost, of

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

To be dramatically less healthy, vivacious, or robust, often following some traumatic event or negative circumstances. Sharon was a shadow of her former self after battling such an aggressive illness for so many years. This town is a shadow of its former self after so many of its residents have moved away. The company used to be at the top of the industry, but after years of bad decisions and poor management, it's little more than a shadow of its former self now.

See also: former, of, shadow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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 © Farlex 2017