sell-by date

[ sel-bahy ]

noun

1. the last date on which perishable food should be sold, usually established with some allowance for home storage under refrigeration. Compare shelf life.

sell-by date

noun

1. a date printed on the packaging of perishable goods, indicating the date after which the goods should not be offered for sale
2. past one's sell-by date informal.
   beyond one's prime

Word History and Origins

Origin of sell-by date¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. past one's / its sell-by date, Informal. past one's or its prime; past the period of greatest vigor, success, etc.:

   an aging actress, well past her sell-by date.

Example Sentences

"The government’s sell-by date is written on the box."

From BBC

The governor, who has said he wouldn’t run against her for president, has always known he “had a sell-by date.”

From Los Angeles Times

It turns out that the dour, downcast approach of Republicans has a shelf-life, and it has reached its sell-by date.

From Salon

As for Biden, she’s convinced — like many Republicans — that he is well past his sell-by date and lacks the mental capacity to be president.

From Los Angeles Times

The products, which have various sell-by dates through July 1, were also available at deli counters, the company said.

From New York Times