PhrasesHub

Let bygones be bygones

    Definitions

      • moving on from past disagreements or conflicts
        To forgive and forget past grievances or mistakes, and to focus on the present and the future without holding onto negative emotions or grudges

      • avoiding dwelling on past events
        To let go of regrets or nostalgia about the past and instead focus on the present and future opportunities and experiences

    Examples of Let bygones be bygones

    • After the argument, Sarah realized that holding onto her anger was only hurting herself. She decided to let bygones be bygones and move forward with a clear conscience.

      "Let bygones be bygones" is an idiom that means to forgive and forget past mistakes or conflicts. It originated from the idea that bygones, or things that have already happened, should be left in the past and not dwelled upon. In this example, Sarah recognizes that holding onto her anger is causing her harm and decides to let go of the past argument and move forward with a clear conscience.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "let bygones be bygones" is used to encourage someone to move on from past events or conflicts and to let go of any negative emotions or regrets associated with them. It can also be used to remind oneself to focus on the present and future instead of dwelling on the past.

    Origin of "Let bygones be bygones"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to be from the 16th century, with the word "bygones" meaning "things that have passed or gone by." The phrase was first recorded in a Scottish proverb in 1562, "be byganes as be byganes," which was later shortened to the modern version we use today.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 19th century, with authors such as Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott using it in their works. It is also commonly used in the Bible, with variations such as "forgetting those things which are behind" in Philippians 3:13.

    The phrase is often used in the context of forgiveness and moving on from past mistakes or conflicts. It emphasizes the importance of not holding onto grudges and instead focusing on the present and future.