expression

water under the bridge

a past problem no longer worth worrying about

In more detail

(idiom) something that happened in the past and is no longer important or worth worrying about; a past problem or disagreement that people decide to forget about

Examples

After they apologized, he said the argument was water under the bridge and they could be friends again.

How to use water under the bridge

This idiom is used to suggest that a past conflict, mistake, or disagreement should be forgotten and no longer affect the present relationship or situation. It conveys a sense of closure and acceptance, often expressing forgiveness or a decision to move forward. It is more commonly used in spoken English and informal written contexts, and frequently appears when people are resolving conflicts or reassuring others that past wrongs won't be held against them.

Common phrases

let it be water under the bridge
that's water under the bridge
water under the bridge now
put water under the bridge

Synonyms

bygones are bygones · let it go · move on · in the past · over and done with

A common mistake

Learners sometimes reverse the phrase (e.g., 'bridge under the water') or use it to mean a current problem rather than a past one that should be forgotten.

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