What Does "water under the bridge" Mean?

water under the bridge means past forgiven.

Detailed Explanation

The idiom 'water under the bridge' is widely used in everyday English to express the idea that past forgiven. Unlike literal phrases, this idiom relies on shared cultural understanding rather than direct interpretation. Native speakers often choose this idiom because it communicates meaning efficiently and emotionally. In real conversations, it may appear in professional settings, casual discussions, or storytelling. Understanding this idiom allows learners to follow conversations more naturally and respond appropriately. Over time, 'water under the bridge' has become a fixed expression in English, meaning it is recognized instantly by fluent speakers without needing further explanation. Learning how and when to use it helps improve fluency, comprehension, and confidence in real-world communication.

Real‑World Example

In a real workplace situation, someone might use 'water under the bridge' when discussing a recent experience. For example, after a difficult project unexpectedly leads to a promotion or new opportunity, a colleague may describe the situation using this idiom to highlight how the outcome was better than expected.

Example Sentences

• This situation perfectly shows water under the bridge.
• He finally understood what water under the bridge meant after the experience.
• They used water under the bridge to describe the outcome.