Idiom B1–B2

Water Under the Bridge

Past events that can no longer be changed and should not be worried about

Meaning

Water under the bridge — past events that can no longer be changed and should not be worried about. When you describe something as water under the bridge, you signal that it belongs to the past and there is no benefit in dwelling on it.

Origin & Etymology

The idiom draws on the image of a river flowing under a bridge. Water that has already passed beneath a bridge is gone — it cannot be recovered or reversed. This metaphor for the irreversibility of time has been recorded in English since at least the early twentieth century and appears across many European languages in similar forms. The phrase became widely used in everyday conversation to encourage people to let go of regrets, grudges, or mistakes from the past.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
They had a disagreement years ago, but it's all water under the bridge now.Resolving a past conflict between friends
Yes, the project failed, but that's water under the bridge — let's focus on what we can do differently this time.Professional setting, moving past a setback
I know I said some unkind things back then. I hope we can treat it as water under the bridge.Seeking reconciliation after an argument
The merger collapsed, but as far as both companies are concerned, it's water under the bridge.Business news, describing a closed chapter
She used to hold a grudge about it, but after so many years it's just water under the bridge.Personal reflection on letting go of resentment

How to Use It

Use this idiom when you want to indicate that a past event — a mistake, argument, failure, or misunderstanding — is finished and no longer worth discussing. It often carries a tone of forgiveness or acceptance. The most common structures are:

It's (all) water under the bridge. — standalone statement signalling closure.

Let's treat it as water under the bridge. — invitation to move on together.

That's all water under the bridge now. — used to dismiss a topic that someone else has raised.

The idiom works in both spoken and informal written English. It suits conversations between friends, colleagues, or anyone navigating a past dispute. Avoid it in formal legal documents or academic writing where plain language is preferred.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

Our current argument is water under the bridge, so let's stop shouting.

Our argument last year is water under the bridge. — The idiom only applies to events that are fully in the past, not ongoing situations.

It's water under the bridge, but I'm still very angry about it.

It's water under the bridge — I've moved on. — Using the phrase alongside an expression of ongoing anger contradicts its meaning.

We should make this water under the bridge before it gets worse.

Let's put this behind us before it gets worse. — You cannot use the idiom to describe something you plan to resolve in the future; it describes what has already passed.

Related Idioms

Let sleeping dogs lie Miss the boat Burn bridges Rock the boat Every cloud has a silver lining All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "water under the bridge" mean?
"Water under the bridge" refers to past events that can no longer be changed and should not be worried about. If you describe something as water under the bridge, you mean it happened in the past and is no longer worth discussing or feeling upset about.
Where does the phrase "water under the bridge" come from?
The idiom comes from the image of a river flowing under a bridge — water passes through and keeps moving; it never flows back. This metaphor has been used in English since at least the early 20th century to suggest that past events, like flowing water, cannot be reversed or recovered.
Can you give an example of "water under the bridge" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "They had a disagreement years ago, but it's all water under the bridge now." This shows the idiom being used to signal that a past conflict has been forgiven and forgotten.
Is "water under the bridge" formal or informal?
The idiom is neutral to slightly informal. It is commonly used in both spoken conversation and informal writing. It can appear in professional contexts when discussing past disputes or mistakes that have been resolved, but should be avoided in formal legal or academic writing.
What CEFR level is "water under the bridge"?
This idiom is typically introduced at B1–B2 level. Learners at B1 can understand it in context, while B2 learners are expected to use it naturally in conversation.
What are common mistakes when using "water under the bridge"?
A common mistake is using it to describe something that is still ongoing. The idiom only applies to fully past events. For example, saying 'our current argument is water under the bridge' is incorrect — the idiom signals that something is already over and resolved, not still happening.
What idioms are similar to "water under the bridge"?
Similar idioms include: 'let sleeping dogs lie' (do not bring up past problems), 'let bygones be bygones' (forgive and forget past disagreements), and 'turn over a new leaf' (make a fresh start). All suggest moving on from the past.
Can "water under the bridge" be used to mean forgiveness?
Yes. When someone says 'it's water under the bridge', they often imply that they have forgiven the other person and do not hold a grudge. It signals a willingness to move forward without revisiting old conflicts.
How do I practise idioms like "water under the bridge"?
Try LexFizz's Matching Pairs and Quiz exercises to practise idioms in context. You can also write your own example sentences — for instance, think of a past event in your life and describe it using the idiom. Listening for idioms in films and podcasts also helps build natural recall.
Does "water under the bridge" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, the idiom is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning. It is one of the more universally recognised idioms and does not vary significantly between dialects.