# sell-by date

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sell-by-date
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An indication that something, or someone, is old and out of date.

## Examples

- That old computer has passed its sell-by date.
- Many people think his political ideas have passed their sell-by date and need a modern update.
- The critic argued that the director's repetitive style had long since passed its sell-by date, failing to resonate with a contemporary audience.

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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.