0503 Let bygones be bygones

Explanation

To agree to forget about past offenses, arguments, or disagreements and move forward without dwelling on them.
It's an encouragement to forgive and not hold grudges.

Origin

Bygone means 'belonging to an earlier time' or 'past'.
The phrase essentially means let past things stay in the past.
Variations of the phrase date back centuries, appearing in print by the 16th century. It expresses a long-standing sentiment about the wisdom of not dwelling on past troubles.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Let it go.
Move past it.
Forget about it. / Fuhgeddaboudit (NY/Italian-American slang emphasis)
Drop it.
It's all good. / We're cool. (implies resolution)
Squash it. (resolve the issue/beef)

Milder/Standard:

Forgive and forget.
Put the past behind us.
Agree to move on.
Consider the matter closed.

Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing dismissal of the past issue):

Fuck the past, let's move on.
Just fucking drop it already.

Situational Appropriateness

Can be used in informal and semi-formal situations.
Implies a willingness to forgive and prioritize the relationship or situation over past wrongs.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Generally straightforward. The meaning of 'bygone' might need clarification (simply means 'past things').

Examples

We had our differences, but we decided to let bygones be bygones.
Okay, you apologized, I accept. Let's let bygones be bygones.
Can't we just let bygones be bygones and enjoy the rest of the holiday?

Dialogue

Chloe: I'm still a bit upset about that comment you made last night.

David: I know, and I'm truly sorry. It was stupid of me. Can we please just let bygones be bygones? I value our friendship.

Chloe: Okay, David. Apology accepted. Let's forget it happened.

David: Thanks, Chloe.

Response Patterns

Agreement (Okay, deal, Yes, let's move on, Agreed. Life's too short).
Relief (Thank you, I appreciate that).
Sometimes reluctance (It's not that easy to forget, I'll try, but...).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

Usually followed by actions that demonstrate moving on: changing the subject, resuming normal interaction, focusing on future plans.
Confirmation of mutual understanding (So we're good?).

Conversation Starter

No.
Typically used as a suggestion or agreement to resolve tension after a conflict or mention of past issues.

Intonation

Fairly even stress, perhaps slightly more on the bygones.
Let BYgones be BYgones.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across all generations. It's a classic idiom.

Regional Variations

Common in all English-speaking regions.

Mend fences

🎲 Water under the bridge

[0503] Let bygones be bygones