Let bygones be bygones: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Let bygones be bygones” mean?

"Let bygones be bygones" means to forget about past disagreements or conflicts and move on.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

After their argument, they decided to let bygones be bygones and continue their friendship.

After their argument, they decided to let bygones be bygones and continue their friendship.

Example

It's time to let bygones be bygones and start fresh.

It's time to let bygones be bygones and start fresh.

Example

They agreed to let bygones be bygones and focus on the future

They agreed to let bygones be bygones and focus on the future

Is “Let bygones be bygones” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Let bygones be bygones” 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 “Let bygones be bygones” effectively in context?

You can use "Let bygones be bygones" to encourage someone to let go of past conflicts or mistakes and move forward without holding grudges or seeking revenge. For instance, if a friend is still upset about an argument they had with someone, you might say, 'It's time to let bygones be bygones. Holding onto grudges will only bring negativity into your life.'

• 1. Friendship

  I know we had our differences in the past, but it's time to let bygones be bygones. We should focus on the present and work towards a better future.

  I know we had our differences in the past, but it's time to let bygones be bygones. We should focus on the present and work towards a better future.

• 2. Relationships

  After their big fight, they decided to let bygones be bygones. They realized that holding onto grudges would only make things worse.

  After their big fight, they decided to let bygones be bygones. They realized that holding onto grudges would only make things worse.

• 3. Personal Growth

  It's not easy, but sometimes it's best to let bygones be bygones. Holding onto past mistakes or conflicts will only weigh you down.

  It's not easy, but sometimes it's best to let bygones be bygones. Holding onto past mistakes or conflicts will only weigh you down.

Similar phrases to “Let bygones be bygones”:

Forgive and forget

To let go of past conflicts or mistakes and move forward without holding grudges

Example

After their argument, they decided to forgive and forget, and their relationship became stronger.

After their argument, they decided to forgive and forget, and their relationship became stronger.

Turn the page

To move on from a difficult or negative situation

Example

After the breakup, she decided to turn the page and focus on her own happiness.

After the breakup, she decided to turn the page and focus on her own happiness.

Start with a clean slate

To begin again without any past mistakes or conflicts affecting the future

Example

After the misunderstanding, they agreed to start with a clean slate and rebuild their trust.

After the misunderstanding, they agreed to start with a clean slate and rebuild their trust.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Let bygones be bygones” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Let bygones be bygones" is unknown.

Is “Let bygones be bygones” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Let bygones be bygones" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. People often use it to advise others to forgive and forget, and to emphasize the importance of moving forward without dwelling on the past.

What tone does “Let bygones be bygones” have?

"Let bygones be bygones" conveys a tone of forgiveness and reconciliation. It encourages people to let go of negative emotions and focus on building positive relationships and personal growth.

Can “Let bygones be bygones” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Let bygones be bygones" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that promotes forgiveness and moving forward. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

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

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After all these years, it's time to let bygones be bygones and rebuild our friendship.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Let bygones be bygones' to imply the need to forgive and move on.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• forgive and forget
• move on
• start fresh
• put the past behind
• begin anew

Antonyms

• dwell on the past
• retaliate
• hold grudges
• seek revenge
• bear a grudge