English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Let bygones be bygones

Meaning

"Let bygones be bygones" is an idiom that means to let the past be forgotten and not dwell on it. It suggests that one should move forward and not focus too much on what has already happened. The phrase implies a sense of resignation or acceptance that things cannot be changed, and that it's time to move on.

Usage

  • "I know you're still mad about what happened, but let bygones be bygones. We need to focus on the future."
  • "She spent so much time dwelling on her past mistakes, but I told her to let bygones be bygones and move forward."
  • "The company went bankrupt, but we can't change the past. Let bygones be bygones and look for new opportunities."
  • "He still blames himself for what happened, but I told him to let bygones be bygones and focus on his current situation."
  • "We made mistakes in the past, but we can't change it now. Let bygones be bygones and work towards a better future." The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to console someone who is still upset about something that happened in the past, or to urge them to move on from something that they cannot change.

Roots and History

"Let bygones be bygones" originated in 14th century English as "Lete begyne agayn." It was used in the sense of starting over again after a mistake or failure. Over time, the meaning evolved to include letting go of the past and moving forward. The idiom gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly during times of change and uncertainty.

Synonyms in English

  • "Water under the bridge"
  • "Putting the past behind you"
  • "Leaving the past behind"
  • "Forgetting about the past"
  • "Moving on from the past"

Synonyms in other languages

  • Spanish - "Dejar atrás lo pasado" (to leave the past behind)
  • French - "Laisser les choses passées à l'ombre" (to let the past pass into shadow)
  • German - "Die Vergangenheit vergessen" (to forget the past)
  • Italian - "Lasciare dietro il passato" (to leave the past behind)
  • Japanese - "覚めるように思ってください" (to wake up and think positively)

Similar Idioms