let bygones be bygones
/let ˈbaɪ.ɡɒnz biː ˈbaɪ.ɡɒnz/
Meaning
To 'let bygones be bygones' means to agree to forget past conflicts, arguments, or grievances and start fresh with a clean slate. 'Bygones' refers to things that happened in the past. It is used when encouraging reconciliation, urging someone to stop holding a grudge and focus on the future.
Examples
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We had our differences in high school, but we decided to let bygones be bygones.
We had our differences in high school, but we decided to let bygones be bygones.
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They shook hands and agreed to let bygones be bygones after years of rivalry.
They shook hands and agreed to let bygones be bygones after years of rivalry.
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Instead of arguing about who was right, why don't we just let bygones be bygones?
Instead of arguing about who was right, why don't we just let bygones be bygones.
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It was hard to let bygones be bygones, but she knew it was the only way to find peace.
It was hard to let bygones be bygones, but she knew it was the only way to find peace.
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The two companies put aside their legal dispute and decided to let bygones be bygones.
The two companies put aside their legal dispute and decided to let bygones be bygones.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We should leave bygones to be bygones.
✓ We should let bygones be bygones.
This idiom is a fixed formula. You must use 'let' and 'be', not 'leave' or 'to be'.
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✗ They let the bygones be bygones.
✓ They let bygones be bygones.
Do not use the definite article 'the' before 'bygones' in this idiom.
Related Expressions
Practice
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After their big fight, they finally decided to ___ and become friends again.
💡 To agree to forget past arguments.
Show answer
let bygones be bygones
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Life is too short to hold grudges; sometimes you just have to ___.
💡 Allow past offenses to be forgotten.
Show answer
let bygones be bygones