Understanding expressions related to the past can enrich your English communication skills. Here, we explore 20 useful expressions that refer to past events or experiences, helping you to convey your thoughts more precisely.
1. Once Upon a Time
Meaning: In the past.
Example: Once upon a time, we used to play here.
2. A Thing of the Past
Meaning: No longer existing.
Example: Typewriters are a thing of the past.
3. Water Under the Bridge
Meaning: Past events, no longer important.
Example: Our fight is just water under the bridge.
4. Bygone Days
Meaning: Days long past.
Example: He often reminisces about bygone days.
5. In Retrospect
Meaning: Looking back.
Example: In retrospect, I should have studied more.
6. Used To
Meaning: Did in the past.
Example: I used to visit my grandparents every summer.
7. Back in the Day
Meaning: In the past.
Example: Back in the day, life was simpler.
8. Out of Date
Meaning: No longer current.
Example: His ideas are out of date now.
9. A Blast from the Past
Meaning: Something nostalgic.
Example: Seeing her was a blast from the past.
10. Once in a Blue Moon
Meaning: Rarely.
Example: He visits the city once in a blue moon.
11. On the Back Burner
Meaning: Postponed.
Example: The project is on the back burner for now.
12. Lost to History
Meaning: Forgotten over time.
Example: Many stories are lost to history.
13. Turn Back the Clock
Meaning: Revisit the past.
Example: I wish I could turn back the clock.
14. A Trip Down Memory Lane
Meaning: Recalling past memories.
Example: Talking to him was a trip down memory lane.
15. Let Bygones Be Bygones
Meaning: Forget past conflicts.
Example: Let’s let bygones be bygones and move on.
16. Yesterday’s News
Meaning: No longer relevant.
Example: His scandal is yesterday’s news.
17. Time and Tide Wait for No Man
Meaning: Time passes.
Example: Time and tide wait for no man, so act now.
18. Over and Done With
Meaning: Completely finished.
Example: The deal is over and done with.
19. No Use Crying Over Spilled Milk
Meaning: Can’t change the past.
Example: It’s no use crying over spilled milk now.
20. From the Get-Go
Meaning: From the beginning.
Example: We’ve been friends from the get-go.
