withering on the vine
Abandoned and decaying
Withering on the vine describes something dying or declining from neglect before reaching fruition, like grapes left unharvested until they shrivel.
The phrase typically applies to projects, proposals, or talents that fade because no one tends to them: The bill withered on the vine after losing its sponsor.
His musical gifts withered on the vine in that dead-end town.
- failingFlaw in one's nature
- languishingGrowing weak, losing vigor
- decliningDecreasing in strength
- slow deathExtended process of dying
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
waning · disregard · fading away · going to seed · wilting · degradation · gathering dust · abandonment · oversight · grapevine · stagnation · obsolescence · benign neglect · unfulfilled · missed opportunity · dead on arrival · trellis · attrition
withering on the vineflourishing
Prospering vigorously
thriving · blossoming · blooming · burgeoning · prospering
withering on the vinenurtured
Cared for supportively
cultivated · cared for · fostered · supported · championed
withering on the vinebearing fruit
Generating successful outcomes
ripening · maturing · taking off · succeeding · making it