When we say something is water under the bridge, we mean that it is something that is in the past, cannot be changed and should not be considered important or worth being concerned or worried about.
This expression is especially used to refer to past events or situations that were unfortunate. An argument between two friends might be considered ‘water under the bridge.’
“A Lot of Water Under the Bridge”: The Dual-Meaning Variation
One of the most common ways to use this idiom is the extended variation: “There’s been a lot of water under the bridge since…”
Depending on the context and tone of the conversation, this variation can carry two slightly different meanings:
2. “We’ve Moved Past Our Difficulties”: In a more emotional context, it combines both meanings: acknowledging that a long time has passed and that any past grievances, arguments, or bad blood are now forgiven and forgotten.
1. Simply “A Lot of Time Has Passed”: In a neutral or positive context, saying “there’s been a lot of water under the bridge” is just a poetic way of saying “it’s been a very long time” or “a lot has happened since we last spoke.” It doesn’t necessarily imply there was past drama or conflict, just the steady passage of time.
Is it “Water Over the Bridge”?
Search data shows that people frequently search for “water over the bridge.” While any native English speaker will understand what you mean, “water over the bridge” is technically incorrect.
Water flows under a bridge. If water is going over a bridge, you are dealing with a severe flood!
The only legitimate “over” variation of this idiom is the North American phrase water over the dam (or “water under the dam”), which carries the exact same meaning but uses a spillway metaphor instead of a bridge. This idiom is rarely used compared to water under the bridge, however.
Water Under the Bridge Origin
Used since the late 1700s or early 1800s, this idiom probably derived from the earlier, more complete, expression, “there’s been a lot of water under the bridge since…,” which was used to point out that a lot of time had passed and much had happened since one particular event had occurred. Both expressions refer to the fact that once water has passed by, it is gone forever and cannot be retrieved.
The variant water over the dam, which refers to water passing over a spillway as opposed to water flowing under a bridge, is a North American variant used since the late 1700’s.
Television and Movie Citations
Because “water under the bridge” can express nostalgic reflection, a casual dismissal of bad blood, or a tense attempt to reconcile, screenwriters use it heavily in dramas and comedies alike.
- The Nostalgic Reunion: In the classic romantic drama Casablanca (1943), the phrase is used in its original, temporal sense to acknowledge how many years have slipped by: “I never expected to see you again. It’s been a long time.” / “Yes, ma’am. A lot of water under the bridge.”
- The Casual Dismissal: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), Harry uses the idiom to politely brush off a past awkward encounter with a professor: “I’m sorry, by the way, Professor, about earlier today. Our misunderstanding.” / “Oh, not at all. Old water under the bridge, you know.”
- The Personal Transformation: In the comedy Old School (2003), Will Ferrell’s character uses the phrase to reassure his wife that his wild, alter-ego partying days are permanently behind him: “Honey, Frank the Tank is not coming back, okay? That part of me is over. It’s water under the bridge.”
- The Tense Non-Reconciliation: In the legal drama Suits (2011), the phrase highlights a dramatic disagreement when one character tries to dismiss past betrayals too quickly: “Words were said, hurtful caricatures were drawn, and I did some bad things too.” / “Water under the bridge, Louis.” / “Well, no, not to me.”
- The Unforgiven Past: In the biographical crime drama Chopper (2000), a character uses the idiom to signal that old rivalries have been buried: “You’re not angry at me for anything?” / “No, I’m not angry with you, it’s all water under the bridge.”
- The Quiet Reflection: In the drama Birdy (1984), the idiom emphasizes how much life has happened between two estranged friends sitting together again: “We haven’t seen each other in a while and there’s a lot of water under the bridge. But it’s good just to sit here…”
Similar and Related Idioms
- Water Over the Dam: An American variation of ‘water under the bridge’ meaning that past events or mistakes are permanently done, unchangeable, and no longer worth worrying about (referring to water that has already flowed past a spillway).
- Dead and Buried: Completely finished, forgotten, or permanently put to rest, with no chance of being revived or brought up again.
- Bury the Hatchet: To make peace; to settle one’s difference; to stop arguing or fighting; to put an end to old resentments.
- Ancient History: Saying something is ancient history is an exaggerated way of saying it is in the past; someone or something from the past that is no longer important or that is forgotten.
- Let Bygones be Bygones: To forget about unpleasant things that have happened in the past; to stop holding a grudge, quarreling or seeking revenge over past actions; to forgive and forget.
- Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk (There’s No Use Crying Over Spilt Milk): Don’t be upset about something that has happened and cannot be changed, undone, or rectified.
- Forgive and Forget: To completely pardon a past offense or wrong, deliberately choosing not to hold resentment or dwell on it in the future.
- What’s Done is Done: A statement of acceptance that a past event or mistake cannot be altered, undone, or erased, so there is no point in continuing to dwell on it.