water under the bridge

Meaning

This expression refers to past events, especially conflicts, mistakes, or arguments, that cannot be changed and are no longer worth worrying or fighting about. It is used to signal forgiveness, reconciliation, or moving on from a past grievance. The tone is generally constructive, forgiving, and practical.

Examples

• We had our disagreements in the past, but that's all water under the bridge now.

  We had our disagreements in the past, but that's all water under the bridge now.

• Don't worry about the money you borrowed last year; it's water under the bridge.

  Don't worry about the money you borrowed last year; it's water under the bridge.

• They used to be bitter rivals, but now their old feud is just water under the bridge.

  They used to be bitter rivals, but now their old feud is just water under the bridge.

• I'm glad we talked things out; our old argument is officially water under the bridge.

  I'm glad we talked things out; our old argument is officially water under the bridge.

• It was a messy breakup, but years later, it's all water under the bridge.

  It was a messy breakup, but years later, it's all water under the bridge.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Our past fight is a water under the bridge.

  ✓ Our past fight is water under the bridge.

  Do not use the indefinite article 'a' before 'water' because water is an uncountable noun in this idiom.

• ✗ That argument is water under the road.

  ✓ That argument is water under the bridge.

  Idioms have fixed lexical parts; 'bridge' cannot be substituted with other nouns like 'road' or 'path'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We used to argue a lot, but that is all ___ now.

  💡 Past events that no longer matter or cause tension.

  Show answer

  water under the bridge

• I don't hold a grudge anymore; our old misunderstanding is ___.

  💡 Forgiven and forgotten like flowing water.

  Show answer

  water under the bridge