Breaking up, losing a job, or just leaving an old hobby behind—sometimes, life nudges us to move on. It’s a short phrase we hear in songs, movies, and even self-help talks, but it carries surprising emotional weight. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and real-life examples of “move on” — and why it’s more than just walking away.
Meaning of “Move On”
At its core, “move on” means to let go of something and continue with life. It’s about progress—emotionally, mentally, or even physically. But depending on the situation, this idiom can take on a few shades of meaning:
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To stop thinking about or being upset by something:
She broke up with her boyfriend months ago, but she still can’t move on. -
To change to a new topic or activity:
Let’s move on to the next point in the presentation. -
To leave a place and continue your journey:
The travelers packed their bags and moved on to the next town.
👉 In short: “Move on” means to leave something behind and keep going—whether it’s a person, a place, or a situation.
Origin of “Move On”
The phrase “move on” has roots in literal movement. It dates back to the 17th century, when people used it to describe physically leaving a place—for example, a command like “Move on, there’s nothing to see here!” often used by police or soldiers.
Over time, it gained a figurative meaning in the 19th and 20th centuries, symbolizing emotional or mental progress. This shift reflects how English often takes physical actions (“move,” “walk,” “stand”) and gives them emotional depth. By the late 1900s, “move on” had become a cultural phrase, appearing frequently in pop songs and self-help books as advice to heal and grow.
Examples in Sentences
Here are several ways you can use “move on” in daily life:
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After an argument:
We disagreed, but it’s time to move on and focus on the future. -
In a professional context:
Once the project is complete, we’ll move on to the next phase. -
In relationships:
It took her a year to move on after the breakup. -
During a meeting or lesson:
Okay, we’ve covered that topic—let’s move on to the next slide. -
In storytelling:
After months of travel, they decided to move on to a new city. -
Encouragement:
Don’t dwell on your mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Here are a few expressions with similar meanings to “move on”:
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Let it go – To release emotional attachment or anger about something.
You can’t change the past, so just let it go. -
Turn the page – To start a new chapter in life.
After his retirement, he was ready to turn the page and enjoy more free time. -
Get over it – To recover emotionally from something unpleasant.
She finally got over the embarrassment of that speech. -
Put it behind you – To stop being affected by something that happened.
It’s time to put the past behind you and start fresh.
PERSONAL INSIGHT
I’ve always liked how “move on” feels both simple and strong. It doesn’t deny the pain or difficulty—it just reminds you there’s more ahead. Whenever something doesn’t go as planned, this phrase helps me shift my focus from regret to progress. It’s a small verbal push toward peace.
CONCLUSION
The idiom “move on” is all about progress—physically, emotionally, or mentally. From its 17th-century roots to its modern motivational use, it reminds us that life keeps flowing, and so should we.
Do you use “move on” in your everyday conversations? Share your examples in the comments below—I’d love to read how this phrase shows up in your life!