# you can't step in the same river twice

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/you-cant-step-in-the-same-river-twice
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

It is not possible to repeat past experiences, as time changes all things.

## Examples

- Life changes constantly, so you can't step in the same river twice.
- Returning to your childhood home feels strange because you can't step in the same river twice.
- Though he sought to recreate the joy of his youth, he eventually realized that you can't step in the same river twice, as both the water and the traveler have changed.

## Origin

Direct translation from Heraclitus, "δὶς ἐς τὸν αὐτὸν ποταμὸν οὐκ ἂν ἐμβαίης."

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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.