ENGLISH
REFERENCE

let bygones be bygones

idiom
Meaning

To disregard or ignore a past difficulty in a relationship or an offence (when dealing with another individual).


Origin

disputed origin

From bygone (“event that happened in the past”).

Examples
SIMPLE

We decided to let bygones be bygones and start fresh.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of arguing about the property line, the neighbors finally agreed to let bygones be bygones.

COMPLEX

Despite the bitterness of their previous disagreement, they chose to let bygones be bygones for the sake of their long-standing friendship.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy to let

    To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it

  2. 02

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  3. 03

    let a sleeping dog lie

    Alternative form of let sleeping dogs lie.

  4. 04

    let crazy stick its dick in you

    To have sex with a male deemed insane.

  5. 05

    let down

    To disappoint; to betray or fail somebody.

  6. 06

    let drive

    To aim a blow; to strike with force; to attack; to shoot (an arrow or firearm).

  7. 07

    let fly

    To strike or release a projectile with great force.

  8. 08

    let go and let God

    To consciously surrender one's free will to the will of God.

© 2026 English Reference