English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Water under the bridge
Meaning
The idiom "water under the bridge" means that something has happened or occurred in the past, and it's not relevant to what is happening now or in the future. It's a way of saying "let's move on from the past."
Usage
- The argument we had last week is water under the bridge. We should focus on our work now.
- I made a mistake, but it's water under the bridge. Let's not let it affect our relationship.
- She apologized for what she said, and I accept her apology. It's all water under the bridge now.
- The incident that happened last year is water under the bridge. We need to focus on the present.
- He completed his probation, and it's all water under the bridge. He can now move forward with his life.
Roots and History
The idiom "water under the bridge" dates back to the 18th century. It's believed to have originated from a story about a woman who went to see her lover, but when she arrived, she saw that he was already married. She realized too late that it was water under the bridge, and she shouldn't have gotten involved with him in the first place. Over time, the idiom has taken on different meanings and usages. It's now commonly used to refer to any past event or occurrence that is no longer relevant to the present situation.
Synonyms in English
- Water off the back of one's neck
- Past is prologue
- Let bygones be bygones
- A thing of the past
- A non-issue
Synonyms in other languages
- 水落石锄 (Japanese) - means "water falls, stone breaks" and is used to describe something that's no longer relevant or useful.
- מים נעוגים (Hebrew) - means "flowing waters" and is used to describe the passing of time and events in the past.
- אברותים כזבותים (Hebrew) - means "the steps under the bridge" and is used to describe a situation that's no longer relevant or significant.
- המשלחים בפועון (Hebrew) - means "messengers of reconciliation" and is used to describe an event or occurrence that leads to forgiveness and moving forward.
- קדים וסיים אכדמת לבועותו הרחמים (Hebrew) - means "past and future" and is used to describe the idea of letting go of past mistakes and moving forward with hope for the future.