# collect dust

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/collect-dust
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To remain untouched and unused for a long period of time.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.