PhrasesHub

Been there, done that

    Definitions

      • Experienced
        To indicate that one has already had a similar experience, often with a negative connotation of being unimpressed or bored with the current situation.

      • Familiar
        To convey that one is very knowledgeable or familiar with a particular topic or activity, often with a sense of superiority or arrogance.

    Examples of Been there, done that

    • I'm not interested in climbing Mount Everest. Been there, done that.

      This idiom is used here to imply that the speaker has already completed the task of climbing Mount Everest, thus they no longer find it interesting or challenging.

    • My best friend kept telling me about her trip to Europe and how incredible it was. I figured, been there, done that. I didn't bother asking her for any recommendations or tips because I've already experienced it myself.

      Here, the idiom is used to show that the speaker has visited Europe previously and has already experienced everything that their friend is describing, so they don't feel the need to hear any further details.

    • I don't care about the Winter Olympics. Been there, done that. Let the athletes have their moment.

      This example uses the idiom to convey that the speaker has little interest in watching the Winter Olympics because they have already experienced them in the past. They may think that they have already seen enough of Winter Olympics and do not need to watch it again.

    • I'm not into extreme sports. Been there, done that. I'd rather find a leisurely activity.

      This example uses the idiom to illustrate that the speaker has previously participated in extreme sports and now prefers more relaxed recreational activities. The idiom highlights the idea that the speaker has already had this experience and is moving on to a different kind of activity.

    • Alex has been to Europe several times and has already visited all the popular tourist spots. When his friend Sarah asked him about the Eiffel Tower, he replied, "Yeah, been there, done that."

      This idiom is used when you have already experienced or accomplished something, and do not want to repeat the same activity again. In this case, Alex has been to Europe and has seen the Eiffel Tower, so there is no need for him to go back and see it again.

    • Emma has taken Spanish classes for years and can now speak fluently. Her friend Jack asked her, "Do you want to take another Spanish class?" Emma said, "Nah, been there, done that."

      This idiom can also be used when you have already learned or completed something. Emma has already learned Spanish and does not need to take another class to improve her skills.

    • Maria has completed many marathons in the past and has a medal collection to prove it. Her friend Mike asked her, "Are you going to run the marathon this year?" Maria laughed and replied, "Nope, been there, done that."

      This idiom can also be used in a sporting context. Maria has already participated in many marathons and does not feel the need to run another one.

    • Philip has read every book in the series and knows the plot by heart. His friend Danielle asked him, "Did you read the latest book in this series?" Philip replied, "Yeah, been there, done that."

      This idiom can also be used to describe an activity that has already been completed. Philip has already read all the books in the series and does not need to read the latest one to understand the plot.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "been there, done that" is commonly used to express one's past experience or familiarity with a certain situation or activity. It can be used in a dismissive or boastful manner, depending on the context.

    In the first meaning, the idiom is often used to express a lack of interest or excitement towards something that one has already experienced before. It can also convey a sense of weariness or boredom with the repetition of a certain task or activity. This meaning is often used in a negative or sarcastic tone.

    On the other hand, the second meaning is used to convey a sense of expertise or superiority in a particular field or activity. It can be seen as a way to assert one's knowledge or experience, often with a hint of arrogance. This meaning is commonly used in a more positive or confident tone.

    Origin of "Been there, done that"

    The origin of the idiom "been there, done that" is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 20th century. It is often associated with the slang phrase "been there, done that, got the t-shirt," which further emphasizes the idea of having experienced something before.

    The phrase gained popularity in the mainstream media in the 1990s, and it is often used in movies, TV shows, and other forms of entertainment. It is also commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among younger generations.

    The idiom has also been adapted and used in various forms, such as "been there, seen that" and "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt." Its origin and popularity can be attributed to its catchy and relatable nature, as many people can relate to having experienced something before and being unimpressed or knowledgeable about it.