PhrasesHub

water under the bridge

    Definitions

      • past events that cannot be changed
        Referring to something that has already happened and cannot be undone or changed

      • forgiveness
        Expressing that a previous disagreement or issue has been resolved and should be forgotten or forgiven

    Examples of water under the bridge

    • The argument we had last week is now water under the bridge. It's pointless to hold onto grudges or revisit old conflicts when there's nothing that can be done to change what has already happened. Let's move forward and focus on building a better relationship.

      The idiom "water under the bridge" refers to an event or conflict that has already passed and can no longer be changed or reversed. It suggests that rather than dwelling on the past, it's better to let go of negative emotions and focus on positive solutions for the future.

    • After months of negotiations, the deal we made with the other company is finally signed and sealed. Any disagreements or obstacles we faced along the way are now water under the bridge. We can celebrate our success and look forward to a prosperous partnership.

      In this context, the idiom "water under the bridge" implies that any difficulties or disputes that arose during the negotiation process are now irrelevant and have no bearing on the current agreement. It's a way of acknowledging that the past is in the past and both parties are now committed to working together in a positive and productive way.

    • I know you're upset about what happened last night, but I want you to understand that it's water under the bridge. We both said things we didn't mean, but it's important that we communicate honestly and openly in the future. I still love you, and I hope we can move past this and strengthen our relationship.

      The phrase "water under the bridge" is often used in the context of reconciliation or forgiveness, as a way of acknowledging that past mistakes or hurt feelings have no power over the present or future. It encourages individuals to let go of resentments and focus on solving problems collaboratively, rather than dwelling on the past and holding onto grudges.

    • Their past disagreements were like water under the bridge.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a conflict or problem in the past has been resolved or is no longer important. In this example, it means that the people in question had argued or disagreed in the past, but now those issues are no longer relevant and can be considered settled.

    • The scandal that rocked the company a few years ago has become water under the bridge.

      This example uses the idiom to signify that a past event, such as a scandal, has become irrelevant or unimportant in the present. It suggests that time has passed and the consequences of the scandal have been resolved or mitigated, leaving it as nothing more than a footnote in history.

    • After their breakup, it took a while for the water under the bridge to clear between them.

      This example uses the idiom in a more figurative sense, to describe the process of reconciliation or healing after a relationship has ended. It implies that there were issues or hurt feelings that had to be resolved before the parties involved could move past the breakup and see it as a thing of the past.

    • The damage that was done can't be undone, but with time, it will become water under the bridge.

      Here, the idiom is used to convey the idea that while something cannot be changed, it will eventually fade from importance over time. It implies that the damage or negative outcome of a situation will lose its power to hurt or affect the involved parties as time goes by.

    • The argument we had last week is now water under the bridge. We shouldn't let it affect our relationship moving forward.

      This idiom is being used to illustrate that a problem or issue that was once significant is now behind us and cannot be changed. It's like water that passes under a bridge and can't be retrieved or undone. We should move on from the argument and not let it impact our future interactions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "water under the bridge" is used to refer to past events that cannot be changed or undone. It is also used to express forgiveness and moving on from previous disagreements. In both cases, the idiom signifies letting go of the past and not letting it affect the present or future.

    Origin of "water under the bridge"

    The origin of the idiom "water under the bridge" can be traced back to the 1930s. The phrase is thought to have originated in America and is based on the literal meaning of water flowing under a bridge and moving on. Over time, it has evolved to be used in a metaphorical sense to represent events or issues that have passed and should be left behind. The idiom has become a common expression in English-speaking countries and is used to emphasize the idea of not dwelling on the past and moving forward.

    Examples of the idiom can be found in literature, music, and everyday conversation, showing its widespread usage and understanding. The imagery of water flowing under a bridge is a powerful symbol for letting go of the past and looking towards the future.