THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Let bygones be bygones
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To stop holding on to past disagreements or wrongs and move on.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- After discussing the misunderstanding, we agreed to let bygones be bygones.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
After discussing the misunderstanding, we agreed to ________.
Show the answer
Let bygones be bygones — To stop holding on to past disagreements or wrongs and move on.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Let bygones be bygones” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To stop holding on to past disagreements or wrongs and move on.
Compare: After discussing the misunderstanding, we agreed to let bygones be bygones.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when choosing to forgive a past quarrel or encouraging reconciliation. It can sound dismissive if the other person is not ready to move on.
More examples in context
- I am willing to let bygones be bygones and start again.
- They chose to let bygones be bygones rather than reopen the old argument.
Usage note
Keep bygones plural in both places. Use it for your own decision to move on; do not assume someone else must dismiss a serious hurt.
A short conversation
A: Are you still upset about our argument last month?
B: We have talked it through. I am ready to let bygones be bygones.
A: I am glad we can move forward.
One more practice question
Which action shows letting bygones be bygones?
A. Agreeing to move on after resolving a past quarrel.
B. Repeatedly reopening the same old quarrel.
Check your answer
A. They choose to stop dwelling on the past disagreement.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.