# been there, done that

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/been-there-done-that
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An assertion that the speaker has personal experience or knowledge of a particular place or topic and is not too keen on revisiting or redoing it again.

## Examples

- Don't suggest a beach trip; I've been there, done that.
- My friends want to visit the same museum again, but I told them I've been there, done that.
- While the younger travelers were eager to explore the crowded city center, the seasoned explorer simply sighed, having been there, done that many times before.

## Origin

Ellipsis for "I have been there and have done that".

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.