become a shadow of (someone's or something's) old self

become a shadow of (someone's or something's) old self

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

See also: become, of, old, shadow

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.