on shelf vs on the shelf

Some examples from the web:

• - Rene, I try to help you, But the rasta monsta just sit on shelf.
• Some nut job deliberately tampering with the product and then putting it back on shelf.
• Clear and legible packaging labelling, including the on shelf unit pricing and pack size, together with continued monitoring of deceptive packaging legislation, will overcome this issue.
• The Marketing Authorisation Holder presented 3 studies on shelf life and in-use shelf life.
• information on shelf-edge labels as used by the trade.
• I left it on the shelf outside the north corridor water closet.
• Bachelor left on the shelf and a Burdensome Prince.
• The envelope is still sitting on a shelf in the kitchen.
• It was on a shelf, il Magnifico.
• Left me like a book on a shelf.
• Except the antidote's not on the shelf.
• Except the antidote's not on the shelf.
• Gallenblase doesn't stay on the shelf long enough to get old.
• Handbag and wallet were still up on the shelf.
• - There's 10 shilling on the shelf.
• This is much cooler than keeping it on the shelf.
• Maybe one day there'll be tour trophies on that shelf.
• One day there will be tour trophies on this shelf.
• Use my razor on the shelf.
• Check between the pages or maybe behind it on the shelf.

Some examples from the web:

• 5 days ago ... on the shelf meaning: 1. not noticed or not used: 2. If someone, usually a woman, is on the shelf, she is not married…. Learn more.
• not being in a state of use, activity, or employment The idea for a fundraiser has been on the shelf for months. Synonyms & Similar Words. Relevance.
• When someone in the mafia is put “on the shelf” it means the member has been banished from the organization rather than be murdered for violating major ...
• 1. Inactive, not employed, as in With mandatory retirement at 65, many useful employees are put on the shelf. [Second half of 1500s].