let bygones be bygones
Verb
  1. (idiomatic) To ignore or disregard a past offense (when dealing with another individual).
    • 1886, Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge,
      To intrude as little of his personality as possible upon a gay event with which that personality could show nothing in keeping, he decided not to make his appearance till evening—when stiffness would have worn off, and a gentle wish to let bygones be bygones would exercise its say in all hearts.
    • 1959, Elizabeth George Speare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond,
      You'll find, when you come back, I promise you, Kit, that everyone is willing to let bygones be bygones, and that you can make a fresh start.
Related terms Translations
  • French: passer l'éponge
  • German: Schwamm drüber
  • Italian: acqua passata non macina più
  • Portuguese: águas passadas não movem moinhos
  • Russian: кто ста́рое помя́нет, тому́ глаз вон
  • Spanish: borrón y cuenta nueva, el pasado, pasado está, lo pasado, pisado, pelillos a la mar (colloquial)



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