sell-by date
noun1
The latest date by which a perishable product should be sold to the public.
2
Broadly, Idiomatic An indication that something, or someone, is old and out of date.
- Tony Blair insists on remaining in office well past his sell-by date - yet he can afford to go.2007 March, William Keegan, “As Blair contemplates the hereafter, Britain must endure a life in limbo”, in The Guardian Online:
- September 9, 2017 - Schlock Mercenary Manifold: This is not a team, Petey. This is just another mass grave. Ewin: Eeew. What's the sell-by date on that manifold? I think it's gone bad.
1 more example
- "They have gone past their sell-by date. But the fitters have done an amazing job keeping these units running for as long as they have.2021 January 13, Paul Clifton, “Network News: Island Line bids farewell to 1930s "icon of transport"...”, in RAIL, page 8:
- Related terms
- expiration date, expiry date, shelf life, use-by date, due date, best-before date
- Coordinate terms
- best before date, best-by date, expiration date, expiry date, issue date, use-by date