Two friends argue, stop talking for weeks, then one day laugh about it like nothing happened. That’s water under the bridge—a simple phrase that turns tension into peace. In this post, we’ll look at its meaning, origin, and how to use it naturally in English.
Meaning of Water Under the Bridge
The idiom “water under the bridge” means something that happened in the past and no longer matters. It’s about forgiveness, moving on, or letting go of old problems.
You can use it when referring to:
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Past arguments or mistakes that are now resolved.
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Events that no longer cause tension or pain.
In short: “Water under the bridge” means the past is the past—let’s move forward.
Origin of Water Under the Bridge
This idiom paints a simple image: water flows under a bridge and keeps moving, never returning to the same spot. It beautifully symbolizes time passing and situations being left behind.
The expression is believed to have originated in the 19th century, though the imagery existed in earlier forms. The earliest recorded use comes from British and American English in the mid-1800s, reflecting the idea that bygone troubles—like flowing water—cannot be reversed.
It’s similar to older sayings such as “Much water has flowed under the bridge since then,” which appeared in English literature in the early 1800s, often inspired by French or classical metaphors about time and rivers.
Examples in Sentences
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Casual: “Don’t worry about our old disagreement—it’s all water under the bridge now.”
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Formal: “Although the negotiations were tense last year, that’s water under the bridge; both companies have moved on.”
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Friendly: “Remember when we got lost on our road trip? Haha, water under the bridge!”
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Reflective: “He regrets the mistake, but it’s water under the bridge—we’ve all forgiven him.”
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Professional: “The project delays are water under the bridge. Let’s focus on the next phase.”
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Encouraging: “Yes, things went wrong, but it’s water under the bridge. What matters is what we do next.”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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Let bygones be bygones — Forget past offenses or arguments.
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Bury the hatchet — Make peace after a disagreement.
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Move on — Stop dwelling on something that can’t be changed.
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The past is the past — What happened before should stay there.
PERSONAL INSIGHT
I like this idiom because it feels peaceful—like closing a door gently instead of slamming it. When someone says “water under the bridge,” it signals maturity and calm. It’s a small phrase that carries a big message: release the weight and keep flowing forward.
CONCLUSION
The idiom “water under the bridge” reminds us that the past doesn’t need to control the present. It’s a beautiful way to express forgiveness, acceptance, and emotional growth.
Do you use “water under the bridge” in your everyday conversations? Share your examples in the comments below—I’d love to read them!