Ever wish you could just erase an embarrassing memory or an old mistake? That’s where the idiom “bury the past” comes in. It’s a phrase we use when we’re ready to let go of old grudges, painful memories, or mistakes and move forward. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and real-life examples of this expressive English idiom.
Meaning of “Bury the Past”
To bury the past means to let go of past conflicts, regrets, or painful memories and focus on the present or future instead.
It often carries an emotional or symbolic sense — as if you’re “laying to rest” something that no longer serves you.
In simple terms:
👉 “Bury the past” = forgive, forget, and move on.
Sometimes, it’s used when two people reconcile after a disagreement. Other times, it’s about personal growth — leaving behind guilt or shame from earlier choices.
Quick Summary Definition:
“Bury the past” means to stop dwelling on past events and start fresh.
Origin of “Bury the Past”
The idiom “bury the past” draws from the symbolic act of burying something to make it disappear or rest forever. The word bury has long been associated with closure — in ancient rituals, burial represented the end of one chapter and the start of another.
While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when this phrase entered everyday English, it likely evolved from older expressions like “bury the hatchet”, which dates back to 17th-century Native American traditions. In those ceremonies, tribal leaders would literally bury a weapon to mark the end of conflict and the beginning of peace.
Over time, “bury the past” took on a broader meaning — not just about peace between people, but also peace within oneself.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some ways you might hear or use “bury the past” in daily conversation:
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Formal: “After years of rivalry, the two companies decided to bury the past and form a partnership.”
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Casual: “Come on, let’s bury the past and start over — no hard feelings!”
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Reflective: “He realized he couldn’t move forward until he buried the past and forgave himself.”
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Romantic: “They chose to bury the past and rebuild their relationship from scratch.”
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Motivational: “To grow, you need to bury the past and focus on the person you’re becoming.”
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Dramatic: “The town had been divided for decades, but the tragedy forced everyone to bury the past.”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Here are a few idioms that share a similar meaning with “bury the past”:
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Bury the hatchet – To make peace after a disagreement.
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Example: “Let’s bury the hatchet and be friends again.”
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Let bygones be bygones – To forgive and forget past offenses.
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Example: “It’s been years; let bygones be bygones.”
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Turn over a new leaf – To start fresh with better behavior or attitude.
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Example: “After his mistake, he decided to turn over a new leaf.”
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Move on – A simple modern way to express letting go of the past.
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Example: “She’s finally moved on from that breakup.”
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PERSONAL INSIGHT
I’ve always found “bury the past” to be a powerful phrase — it’s both emotional and liberating. Life gives us plenty of moments we wish we could redo, but sometimes the healthiest thing to do is acknowledge them and move forward. Personally, I like to think of “burying the past” not as forgetting, but as honoring what happened and choosing peace instead of pain.
CONCLUSION
The idiom “bury the past” reminds us that holding on to old mistakes or grudges only weighs us down. It’s about closing one chapter so we can start another with a lighter heart. Whether it’s mending a relationship or forgiving yourself, this idiom captures the essence of emotional growth and renewal.
Do you use “bury the past” in your everyday conversations? Share your favorite examples or personal stories in the comments — let’s keep the discussion going!