water under the bridge
Meaning
Something in the past that’s no longer important or worth worrying about; it’s been forgiven or moved on from.
Origin
A metaphor: once water has flowed under a bridge, it can’t be retrieved—like past events that can’t be changed. The imagery appears in English for centuries; the modern idiom became common in the 20th century.
Notes
Often used to reassure someone and move on after a mistake or conflict (“It’s water under the bridge”). Friendly, conversational; implies letting go rather than debating the past.
Examples
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We had a big argument last year, but it's water under the bridge now.
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I know I missed your birthday, but can we call it water under the bridge and move on?
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Our old rivalry is water under the bridge; we're on the same team now.
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It's water under the bridge—what matters is how we handle things from here.
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She said the breakup is water under the bridge, and she wishes him well.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as a noun phrase after “be” (e.g., “It’s water under the bridge,” “That’s water under the bridge now”). Often with “now.” Rarely pluralized; typically fixed wording.
Synonyms
- bygones be bygones
- in the past
- ancient history
- let it go
Antonyms
- a sore point
- an open wound
- unfinished business