Also: gather dust
The literal meaning of collect dust or gather dust describes a piece of furniture or other object that is not moved, used, or cleaned and becomes dusty over time has been used since at least the mid-1600s. Today, the phrase is also used figuratively.
Collect Dust Meaning
To collect dust means to remain unused; to be untouched and unused for a long period of time.
Sentence Examples
“Don’t buy a treadmill. It’ll just end up collecting dust.”
“My dad constantly buys new tools for his various projects. Most of them just end up gathering dust.”
“Great! Another knicknack to collect dust and take up space.”
“I’m getting rid of that. It’s just firewood.” “Why?” “I don’t know. I don’t play it much. It sits around collecting dust.” “You love that piano.” — Grumpy Old Men (1993)
“I doubt you’re gonna find one of these anywhere else.” “We don’t need another damn shot glass. All they do is collect dust anyhow. Put that back and let’s go.” — Waking Up in Reno (2002)
“l was merely dusting the liquor cabinet.” “As if a bottle in your vicinity stood long enough to gather dust.” — Far and Away (1992)
“Let me tell you, the look of delight on those little boys’ faces was worth ten of any of the tin pots I’ve got gathering dust on my Edinburgh sideboard.” — Chariots of Fire (1981)
