23 Idioms About the Past

The past holds a significant place in our lives, and often we use idiomatic expressions to reflect on it, whether in a nostalgic, regretful, or reflective manner. These idioms help us convey the complexity of our experiences and emotions regarding past events, relationships, and memories. Through the use of vivid metaphors and expressions, we can communicate the influence that the past has on the present.

In this article, you’ll discover 23 idioms about the past, each shedding light on how we use language to describe our history and the lingering effects of past actions or decisions.

1. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Meaning: To avoid stirring up old issues or conflicts that have already been resolved, often used when suggesting it’s better to leave the past alone.
In a Sentence:

• We’ve had this argument a million times; let sleeping dogs lie and move on.
• He knew that mentioning the old rivalry would only cause trouble, so he decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
  Other Ways to Say: Don’t bring up the past, leave it alone, don’t reopen old wounds

2. A Blast from the Past

Meaning: A person or thing that appears from the past unexpectedly, often bringing back old memories.
In a Sentence:

• It was a blast from the past when I ran into my old friend from high school at the store.
• The old song playing on the radio was a blast from the past, reminding me of my childhood.
  Other Ways to Say: Sudden memory, a surprise reminder, past encounter

3. Bury the Hatchet

Meaning: To make peace or end a conflict, often used when letting go of past grudges or disagreements.
In a Sentence:

• After years of disagreement, they finally decided to bury the hatchet and move forward as friends.
• It’s time to bury the hatchet and stop holding grudges over something that happened long ago.
  Other Ways to Say: Reconcile, make amends, forgive and forget

4. Back in the Day

Meaning: Referring to a time in the past, often used to express nostalgia or reminiscence.
In a Sentence:

• Back in the day, we didn’t have smartphones or social media, and life was much simpler.
• Back in the day, the town was bustling with activity, and everyone knew each other.
  Other Ways to Say: In the past, years ago, in the old days

5. Water Under the Bridge

Meaning: Referring to something that happened in the past that is now forgotten or no longer important, often used to suggest forgiveness or moving on.
In a Sentence:

• The argument we had last week is water under the bridge now; we’ve both moved on.
• Don’t worry about the past; it’s water under the bridge, and we’ve both learned from it.
  Other Ways to Say: In the past, forgotten, no longer relevant

6. The Good Old Days

Meaning: Refers to a time in the past that is remembered fondly or nostalgically, often when things seemed simpler or better.
In a Sentence:

• I often think about the good old days when we would play outside all day without a care in the world.
• Those were the good old days, when life felt more carefree and easy.
  Other Ways to Say: Better times, the past glory, simpler days

7. Throwback

Meaning: A reference to something from the past, often used when talking about a memory, event, or style that’s being revisited.
In a Sentence:

• Here’s a throwback to last summer’s trip to the beach—such great memories!
• I found an old picture of us from high school—what a throwback!
  Other Ways to Say: Flashback, reminder of the past, nostalgic moment

8. A Thing of the Past

Meaning: Something that no longer exists or is no longer relevant, often used to describe outdated practices or habits.
In a Sentence:

• Paper maps are a thing of the past with the advent of smartphones and GPS.
• The idea of riding horses to work is a thing of the past now that cars are so common.
  Other Ways to Say: Outdated, obsolete, no longer in use

9. Dig Up the Past

Meaning: To bring up or revisit old issues or events, often after they have been forgotten or resolved.
In a Sentence:

• Stop trying to dig up the past; we’ve moved on from that situation.
• She didn’t want to dig up the past, but her friend kept asking about her previous relationship.
  Other Ways to Say: Rehash, revisit, stir up old issues

10. At One Time

Meaning: Referring to a point in the past when something was true or happening regularly, often used to describe past habits or conditions.
In a Sentence:

• At one time, he was known as the best chef in town, but now he’s retired.
• At one time, I had the energy to go out every weekend, but now I prefer staying home.
  Other Ways to Say: Back then, once upon a time, in days gone by

11. Live in the Past

Meaning: To focus too much on or be overly nostalgic about past events, often to the detriment of present circumstances.
In a Sentence:

• He keeps living in the past, always talking about how great things were in high school.
• If you keep living in the past, you’ll miss out on the wonderful things happening in your life right now.
  Other Ways to Say: Dwelling on the past, stuck in the past, unable to move on

12. Look Back in Anger

Meaning: To reflect on the past with bitterness or regret, often used when someone holds grudges about previous events or situations.
In a Sentence:

• She looks back in anger at the way she was treated, never able to forgive the people who hurt her.
• It’s not healthy to look back in anger; you have to forgive and move forward.
  Other Ways to Say: Harbor resentment, hold a grudge, be bitter about the past

13. A Walk Down Memory Lane

Meaning: A trip or activity that reminds someone of pleasant past experiences, often used when revisiting old places or reflecting on good times.
In a Sentence:

• Visiting my old childhood home was like a walk down memory lane, reminding me of all the good times.
• The reunion was a walk down memory lane, as everyone reminisced about their adventures from years ago.
  Other Ways to Say: Nostalgic journey, reflecting on the past, revisiting good memories

14. Make Amends for the Past

Meaning: To take actions to apologize or make up for previous mistakes or wrongdoings.
In a Sentence:

• After the argument, they worked to make amends for the past and restore their friendship.
• He felt it was time to make amends for the past mistakes he had made in his relationship.
  Other Ways to Say: Apologize, seek forgiveness, make things right

15. What’s Done is Done

Meaning: Accepting that the past cannot be changed and that there’s no use in dwelling on it.
In a Sentence:

• We can’t change what happened, so let’s move forward. What’s done is done.
• Stop regretting your mistakes; what’s done is done, and it’s time to focus on the future.
  Other Ways to Say: Let bygones be bygones, no use crying over spilled milk, past is past

16. A Thing of the Past

Meaning: Something that is no longer relevant or no longer exists, often used to describe outdated customs, practices, or technologies.
In a Sentence:

• With the rise of smartphones, paper maps are now a thing of the past.
• The practice of writing letters by hand has become a thing of the past in the digital age.
  Other Ways to Say: Obsolete, outdated, no longer in use

17. Time Heals All Wounds

Meaning: The belief that emotional pain and hurt will lessen over time, and that people eventually recover from difficult experiences.
In a Sentence:

• After the breakup, she was devastated, but over time, she began to feel better. Time heals all wounds.
• It’s hard to forget, but time heals all wounds, and you’ll eventually feel better.
  Other Ways to Say: Healing comes with time, time brings peace, grief fades with time

18. In the Rearview Mirror

Meaning: Something that is in the past and no longer relevant to the present, often used to suggest that it’s time to move forward.
In a Sentence:

• The mistakes from last year are in the rearview mirror now, and we can focus on the future.
• What happened last week is in the rearview mirror, let’s move on with the project.
  Other Ways to Say: Behind you, past events, left behind

19. A Shadow of the Past

Meaning: An enduring influence from the past, often something negative that continues to affect the present.
In a Sentence:

• The ghost of their previous arguments loomed like a shadow of the past, making it hard to move forward.
• His past mistakes cast a shadow of the past over his current relationship.
  Other Ways to Say: Lingering memory, lasting effect, constant reminder

20. Leave the Past Behind

Meaning: To stop thinking about or being influenced by past events, especially when they cause pain or hinder progress.
In a Sentence:

• After the failure, it was important for him to leave the past behind and focus on his new goals.
• She tried to leave the past behind, but the memories kept coming back.
  Other Ways to Say: Move on, forget the past, focus on the present

21. The Past is Prologue

Meaning: The idea that the events of the past shape or prepare the way for what is to come, often used to imply that history influences the present and future.
In a Sentence:

• The challenges we’ve faced as a team have been difficult, but the past is prologue, preparing us for future success.
• The past is prologue to her story, setting the stage for her future achievements.
  Other Ways to Say: History shapes the future, the past shapes destiny, past lessons guide us

22. A Skeleton in the Closet

Meaning: A secret from the past, often something embarrassing or shameful, that someone wants to keep hidden.
In a Sentence:

• He has a skeleton in the closet from his earlier years that he’s never mentioned to anyone.
• The politician was afraid that the skeletons in his closet would be exposed during the election.
  Other Ways to Say: Dark secret, hidden past, undisclosed truth

23. Old Habits Die Hard

Meaning: It’s difficult to change long-standing behaviors or patterns, often used when someone struggles to break old habits.
In a Sentence:

• Even after years of trying to quit smoking, he found that old habits die hard.
• She tried to stop procrastinating, but old habits die hard.
  Other Ways to Say: Hard to break habits, difficult to change, ingrained behaviors

24. A Walk Down Memory Lane

Meaning: A nostalgic reflection on the past, often triggered by visiting old places or recalling fond memories.
In a Sentence:

• The reunion was a walk down memory lane, filled with laughter and stories from the past.
• Going through the family photo album felt like a walk down memory lane, reminding me of all the good times.
  Other Ways to Say: Nostalgic journey, looking back, reminiscence

25. The Writing on the Wall

Meaning: A clear indication that something bad or negative is going to happen, often used when someone fails to acknowledge the warning signs.
In a Sentence:

• The company ignored the writing on the wall and ended up going bankrupt.
• He saw the writing on the wall in his relationship but didn’t want to face it.
  Other Ways to Say: Warning signs, clear indication, inevitable outcome

26. A Chapter in My Life

Meaning: A specific period or event in a person’s past, often used to describe an important but now closed phase of life.
In a Sentence:

• Leaving college was a chapter in my life that I will always look back on fondly.
• That job was a chapter in my life, and now it’s time to move on to something new.
  Other Ways to Say: A phase in life, a life experience, past event

27. Out with the Old, In with the New

Meaning: A fresh start, often associated with the New Year, or when making a change or letting go of past things to embrace new opportunities.
In a Sentence:

• The company embraced the motto “out with the old, in with the new” and started restructuring.
• It’s time for a change; out with the old, in with the new!
  Other Ways to Say: Fresh start, embrace change, new beginnings

28. Leave (or Put) the Past Behind

Meaning: To stop thinking about or dwelling on past events, particularly negative or painful ones.
In a Sentence:

• She decided to leave the past behind and focus on the bright future ahead.
• He found it difficult to put the past behind and move forward with his life.
  Other Ways to Say: Move on, forget the past, start fresh

29. What’s Done is Done

Meaning: A way of acknowledging that the past cannot be changed and that it’s time to accept it and move forward.
In a Sentence:

• The decision was made, and what’s done is done; there’s no point in dwelling on it.
• We made mistakes, but what’s done is done, and now we have to focus on fixing things.
  Other Ways to Say: Let it go, no use in regret, accept the past

Practice Exercise

1. You can’t change what happened, so ____________ and move forward.
2. The company’s outdated practices are really ____________ now, no longer relevant to today’s world.
3. He had a hard time letting go of his childhood home, but he knew it was time to ____________.
4. When I saw my old friends again, it felt like ____________, bringing back so many fond memories.
5. The argument was over, and everything was ____________—it was time to forgive and forget.
6. The old town was full of memories. It was ____________ to think about how it had changed.
7. He often feels nostalgic about ____________ when life seemed simpler and easier.
8. Their relationship was strained, and it was clear that they needed ____________ to truly understand each other.
9. ____________ about things that can’t be undone is pointless; just accept it and move on.
10. He was haunted by the ____________ from his previous mistakes, which still affected him deeply.
11. The way things were done back then is no longer relevant; it’s really ____________ in modern society.
12. After the crisis, they knew it was time to ____________ and focus on the future.
13. She tried to ____________ and bring up old grievances, but I didn’t want to revisit the past.
14. The new approach was like ____________, offering new insights and a fresh perspective on an old issue.
15. You can’t change what happened, but ____________ that you can’t control it.
16. ____________ can help you heal emotionally after a loss or heartache.
17. The past is behind us now, and it’s all ____________—let’s focus on moving forward.
18. They were upset by the news, but eventually, it was clear that the problem was ____________.
19. We’ve all made mistakes; ____________ and move on.
20. He saw the mistakes he made in the past, but there was no use crying over ____________.
21. ____________, a time when she was carefree and everything seemed easy.
22. He couldn’t help but keep thinking about the mistakes of his past, even though he knew he had to ____________.
23. It was obvious that their relationship was strained—he saw the ____________ but ignored it.
24. She decided to ____________ and no longer let the past hold her back.
25. Sometimes ____________ can prevent you from fully enjoying the present and future.
26. ____________ can also lead to positive changes when revisiting old ways with a new perspective.
27. ____________ seemed inevitable, given the current situation and the problems they faced.
28. His heart was heavy with ____________, realizing that some things would never be the same.
29. At one point in time, they ____________ when everything seemed possible and full of promise.

Answer Key

1. j) What’s Done is Done
2. c) A Thing of the Past
3. o) Leave the Past Behind
4. h) A Walk Down Memory Lane
5. e) Water Under the Bridge
6. g) In the Rearview Mirror
7. l) The Good Old Days
8. t) A Heart-to-Heart
9. p) Cry Over Spilled Milk
10. v) A Broken Spirit
11. c) A Thing of the Past
12. o) Leave the Past Behind
13. m) Dig Up the Past
14. u) The Past is Prologue
15. p) Cry Over Spilled Milk
16. f) Time Heals All Wounds
17. g) In the Rearview Mirror
18. e) Water Under the Bridge
19. p) Cry Over Spilled Milk
20. p) Cry Over Spilled Milk
21. l) The Good Old Days
22. o) Leave the Past Behind
23. s) The Writing on the Wall
24. o) Leave the Past Behind
25. y) Time Lost in the Past
26. r) Old Habits Die Hard
27. w) A Ripple Effect
28. x) Like a Knife Through the Heart
29. n) At One Time

Conclusion

The past holds great power in shaping who we are, and these 29 idioms for the past provide vivid and expressive ways to describe how we relate to history, memories, and previous experiences. Whether it’s reminiscing about “the good old days”, “burying the hatchet”, or accepting that “what’s done is done”, these idioms can help us communicate the complexities of our relationship with the past. Furthermore, exploring the nuances of our historical experiences allows us to better understand our present selves. In addition to idioms reflecting fond memories, there are also idiomatic expressions for unfortunate events that capture the challenges and setbacks we face. By using these phrases, we can articulate our struggles while acknowledging the lessons learned along the way.

These idioms can be used to express feelings of nostalgia, regret, resolution, and change. By incorporating them into conversations, writing, or storytelling, you can convey emotions and situations more effectively, helping to paint a clearer picture of how the past influences the present and future.

In embracing the past, whether through “a walk down memory lane” or leaving “the past behind”, these idioms allow us to articulate and understand the impact of our history with greater clarity.