water under the bridge
water under the bridge
also, water over the dam
Meaning | Synonyms
- past events that are not important anymore
- something that has happened and cannot be changed, hence, not important
- past occurrence that cannot be changed
- events that occurred long ago and have been forgotten
- to let bygones be bygones
Example Sentences
- We used to have big disagreements some years back, but that’s all water under the bridge now. We get along fine.
- When I was a child, I used to fancy myself being a sportsperson when I grew up, but that’s water under the bridge. Now I am stuck at this mundane job.
- I don’t want to talk about the argument we had last week. It’s water under the bridge now.
- I should have negotiated a higher salary when I was offered the job, but that’s water under the bridge now.
- Both parties agreed that their past disputes were water under the bridge and decided to work together towards a common goal.
Origin
The phrase originated around the early 1900s. It probably refers to the fact that water (of a river) flows constantly towards the sea and is not still, indicating that the water that has already flowed under the bridge will not return.
Idiom of the Day
Advertisement
8 Thoughts
I have always visualized this as puddles of water under a bridge on dry land that serve no significant purpose and eventually dry up.
- Connie August 6, 2022
The bridge protects you from the water under it. So, when an issue is “water under the bridge,” it can’t affect you; you’re protected from it. To me this is a more logical explanation
- Kevin June 4, 2022
Always heard this, never understood it till now, thanks.
- Anonymous December 3, 2020
Always wondered what the hell that actually started from. Now I know. 🤔😎
- Carrie Hert November 21, 2020
I read where it is an Etruscan saying. Is that possible? Either way, a lovely fantasy. I see an Etruscan shepherd, stretched out on his side near a stream, sheep in the background, him pining over a lost love.
- Elmer Lang November 21, 2018
Give kid examples but this works
- Pricila April 24, 2018
Thanks, really good explanation.
- Люда January 24, 2018
This is so helpful!😍 It’s helping me a lot in my grammar lesson.
- Rebecca January 24, 2018