# lost to time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lost-to-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

No longer extant because it was not preserved or could not last, after a significant period of time.

## Examples

- The old map is lost to time.
- Many ancient traditions were lost to time as the village grew and changed over the centuries.
- The original manuscript, containing the author's final revisions, was unfortunately lost to time during the great fire that destroyed the library.

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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.