drop by the wayside
1. To step out of a procession and stand nearby (due to not feeling fit to continue). I was supposed to walk in with my classmates, but I started to feel dizzy and dropped by the wayside. Everyone in the chorus was supposed to get up and rehearse our lines, but I dropped by the wayside because I felt like I was gonna throw up. If you start to feel sicker, don't hesitate to drop by the wayside. One of the other teachers can help me.
2. To fail to stay at the same level of knowledge or proficiency as others. If you don't do your homework now, it won't be long before you drop by the wayside in this class. Mrs. Spencer is a great teacher, and her door is always open if we ever have any questions or start to drop by the wayside. I dropped by the wayside with my schoolwork when I had the flu.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
drop by the wayside
and fall by the wayside 1. Lit. to leave a march or procession in exhaustion to recover beside the pathway. A few of the marchers dropped by the wayside in the intense heat.
2. Fig. to fail to keep up with others. Many of the students will drop by the wayside and never finish. Those who fall by the wayside will find it hard to catch up.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.