# over the years

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/over-the-years
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

during a long period of time as it passes. You use this to talk about how things have changed or stayed the same since a long time ago.

## Examples

- We have become good friends over the years.
- The small town has changed significantly over the years, with many new shops and houses appearing.
- Over the years, the artist refined her technique, eventually creating the masterpiece that now hangs in the national gallery.

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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.