become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
(redirected from become a shadow of someone's former self)become a shadow of (someone's or something's) former self
To become dramatically less healthy, vivacious, or robust, often due to negative circumstances. Sharon has become a shadow of her former self after battling such an aggressive disease for so long. This town became a shadow of its former self after so many local businesses closed down.
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