# water under the bridge

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/water-under-the-bridge
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something in the past that cannot be controlled or undone, but must be accepted, forgiven, or forgotten.

## Examples

- Don't worry about our past argument; it is water under the bridge.
- We had a disagreement last year, but we decided to move on because it is all water under the bridge now.
- Although their professional rivalry had been intense for years, they eventually agreed that the past grievances were merely water under the bridge.

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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.