Been there, done that: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Been there, done that” mean?

"Been there, done that" means having already experienced or done something before.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I don't need to go on that roller coaster again, been there, done that.

Example

I'm not interested in trying that new restaurant, been there, done that.

Example

I've already traveled to Paris, been there, done that

Is “Been there, done that” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Been there, done that” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Been there, done that” effectively in context?

You can use "Been there, done that" to express that you have already experienced or done something before, often implying that you are not interested in doing it again. It can also convey a sense of boredom or lack of excitement. For example, if someone suggests going to a movie you have already seen, you might say, 'No thanks, "been there, done that".'

• 1. Travel

  When her friends suggested a trip to Hawaii, she replied, 'Been there, done that. Let's go somewhere new.'

• 2. Food

  When her coworkers wanted to try a new restaurant, she said, 'Been there, done that. I didn't enjoy it.'

• 3. Activities

  When her family suggested going camping, she responded, 'Been there, done that. Let's find something different to do.'

Similar phrases to “Been there, done that”:

Old news

Something that is no longer interesting or relevant because it has already happened or been widely known

Example

That gossip is old news. Everyone already knows about it.

Tired of it

Feeling bored or uninterested in something because it has become repetitive or predictable

Example

I'm tired of watching the same TV show over and over.

Nothing new under the sun

The idea that everything has already been experienced or done before

Example

There's nothing new under the sun. It's all been done before.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Been there, done that” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Been there, done that" is unknown.

Is “Been there, done that” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Been there, done that" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their familiarity with a situation or their lack of interest in repeating an experience.

What tone does “Been there, done that” have?

"Been there, done that" conveys a tone of indifference or boredom. It suggests that the speaker has already had the experience and is not enthusiastic about doing it again.

Can “Been there, done that” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Been there, done that" is an informal expression. It is commonly used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I've already been there, done that.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Been there, done that"' to imply that you are not interested in repeating an experience.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• already been there
• already done that
• no need to repeat
• familiar with it
• not interested in revisiting

Antonyms

• new and exciting
• fresh experience
• never been there
• first time trying
• curious to explore