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.
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017