Translation guide
Expresses that a plan, project, or item is put aside, postponed, or abandoned. Japanese uses different expressions depending on whether it's a temporary hold, indefinite postponement, or cancellation.
The plan or project is on hold, not actively being worked on, but may be resumed later.
Literally 'put on the shelf'. Common for plans or proposals that are temporarily set aside.
That plan is currently being shelved.
Means 'on hold' or 'pending'. Used when a decision is deferred.
That proposal is being shelved (on hold).
Literally 'put into storage'. Often used for creative works (films, projects) that are shelved indefinitely, sometimes with a nuance of being abandoned.
I heard that movie is being shelved.
The plan or project is effectively dead, with no expectation of resuming.
Means a plan has fizzled out or been abandoned without a formal decision.
That matter was shelved (fizzled out).
Means 'cancelled' or 'discontinued'. Stronger than 'on hold'.
The project is being shelved (cancelled).
Books, products, or objects are literally being put onto shelves.