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Region: General | Usage example: Let it be water over the bridge now that it's resolved.

Water over the bridge

Meaning

Something in the past that need not be fussed about.

Usage

Used when advising to move on.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Water flowing past a bridge cannot be retrieved.

Used to denote past concerns for centuries.

Related Idioms

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

In over your head

Deal with something beyond your competence.

Cry over spilled milk

Worry about something that already happened and cannot be changed.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.