collect dust
To remain untouched and unused for a long period of time.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My old guitar just collects dust in the corner.”
“I bought a fancy exercise bike, but it has been collecting dust in the garage for months.”
“The rare books in the library archives had been collecting dust for decades until a curious researcher finally discovered their historical value.”
- 01
beat the dust
To perform curvets too precipitately or too low.
- 02
bite the dust
To die.
- 03
bust the dust
To clean dust off something, such as with a vacuum cleaner.
- 04
catch dust
To be rarely used.
- 05
collect one's thoughts
To become mentally composed, especially after being distressed, surprised, or disoriented; to become calm or organized in one's emotional state or thinking, as in preparation for a conversation, speech, decision, etc.
- 06
done and dusted
Completed thoroughly and satisfactorily.
- 07
dust mouse
A dust bunny.
- 08
dust off a batter
for a pitcher to throw a pitch at or near the batter, typically to frighten the batter or to have him stand farther away from home plate.
Last updated August 10, 2026