Water Under The Bridge

Also: water over the dam

Meaning of Idiom ‘Water Under the Bridge’

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. ¹, ²

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.’

Sometimes, the idiom ‘water under the bridge’  is used to refer to the fact that a lot of time has passed, reflective of an earlier meaning. For example, “It’s been a long time! A lot of water under the bridge since we too last saw each other.”

See the similar idiom let bygones by bygones.

Sentence Examples

“Thanks for helping me out with this deadline. I know we’ve had our problems in the past,” said Sheila. “All that’s just water under the bridge,” replied Logan.

“Don’t worry about the mix-up with the order. It’s water under the bridge.”

“Sam and I had our differences in the past but that’s all water under the bridge. We’re good friends now.”

“I never expected to see you again. It’s been a long time.” “Yes, ma’am. A lot of water under the bridge.” — Casablanca (1943)

“I’m sorry, by the way, Professor, about earlier today. Our misunderstanding.” “Oh, not at all. Old water under the bridge, you know.” — Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

“You’ve come a long way since Frank the Tank, and we don’t want him coming back.” “Honey, Frank the Tank is not coming back, okay? That part of me is over. It’s water under the bridge.” — Old School (2003)

“Words were said, hurtful caricatures were drawn, and I did some bad things too.” “Water under the bridge, Louis.” “Well, no, not to me.” — Suits (2011)

“You’re not angry at me for anything?” “No, I’m not angry with you, it’s all water under the bridge.” — Chopper (2000)

“I’m glad you came to see me. 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 and not talk with you.” — Birdy (1984)

Water Under the Bridge Origin

Used since the late 1700’s or early 1800’s.

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. ³, ⁴

More Idioms Starting with W

• Waste One’s Breath
• Wash Your Hands of (Someone or Something)
• What’s the Damage?
• Work One’s Fingers To the Bone
• Out of Wedlock

More Bridge Idioms

• Burn Your Bridges

More Time Related Idioms

• Million Times, a
• Have Time to Kill
• Kill Time
• High Time
• Time is Money

More Under Idioms

• Throw Someone Under the Bus
• Hot Under the Collar
• Under the Table
• Under the Impression
• Under the Aegis Of Someone

More Water Idioms

• Fish Out of Water
• Throw Out the Baby with the Bathwater, don’t
• Water Off a Duck’s Back, like
• Lovely Weather for Ducks
• In Hot Water (to be)

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References

1. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.
2. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
3. Ayto, John. Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms. Oxford: Oxford U, 2010.
4. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.