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off the shelf

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off the shelf

Fig. ready made for purchase; not custom-made. (Hyphenated when prenominal.) I generally buy off-the-shelf clothing. I am a perfect size eight.

See also: off, shelf

off the shelf

in a form that is ready to be used Most of the technology needed can be bought off the shelf.

Usage notes: usually used to show that something is not specially made for a particular use

See also: off, shelf

off the shelf

Ready-made, available from merchandise or in stock, as opposed to a special order. For example, Sometimes you can get a better discount by buying an appliance off the shelf. [First half of 1900s] Also see off the rack; on the shelf.

See also: off, shelf

off the shelf

From ready-made merchandise in stock: supplies that were available off the shelf.

See also: off, shelf