# mists of time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mists-of-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Any time so long ago that history is no longer clear, as though lost in a mist or fog.

## Examples

- The origin of this old song is lost in the mists of time.
- The ancient stone ruins were built so long ago that their true purpose has vanished into the mists of time.
- Scholars struggle to reconstruct the lives of these early settlers, as their customs and traditions have long since faded into the mists of time.

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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.