# wither on the vine

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wither-on-the-vine
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be unsuccessful due to neglect or inaction.

## Examples

- Without enough water, the new project will wither on the vine.
- The company had a brilliant idea, but it withered on the vine because nobody invested time or money into it.
- Many promising startups wither on the vine when their founders fail to secure the necessary funding or adapt to changing market conditions.

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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.