# let bygones be bygones

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/let-bygones-be-bygones
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- We decided to let bygones be bygones and start fresh.
- After years of arguing about the property line, the neighbors finally agreed to let bygones be bygones.
- Despite the bitterness of their previous disagreement, they chose to let bygones be bygones for the sake of their long-standing friendship.

## Origin

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

---

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.