1272 Been there, done that

Explanation

An idiom indicating that the speaker has previously experienced the situation, activity, or challenge being discussed.
It often implies a sense of familiarity, weariness, lack of novelty, or sometimes expertise gained from the experience.
Can occasionally be used dismissively to suggest the topic isn't new or interesting to the speaker.
Often extended humorously or emphatically as Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

Origin

Became popular in the late 20th century. Its exact origin is unclear, but it likely evokes the idea of having visited a place (been there) and participated in its typical activities (done that), perhaps like a tourist checking items off a list. The got the t-shirt addition reinforces the idea of having completed the experience fully, perhaps to the point of it being commonplace or memorialized trivially.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Old news.
That ship has sailed (for opportunities missed or past phases)
I'm hip to that. (I'm aware of/experienced with that)
Water under the bridge. (For past issues/experiences)

More Neutral/Polite:

I've actually experienced that myself.
Yes, I did that a few years ago.
I'm familiar with that situation.
I know what that's like.

Vulgar/Emphatic (rare, usually for strong dismissal of revisiting something):

Fuck that, done it, not again.

Situational Appropriateness

Mostly informal.
Can sound dismissive, jaded, or arrogant depending on tone and context, especially if the other person is excited about something new to them. Use with social awareness.
Avoid in formal settings unless the context is specifically about sharing past experiences in a very casual manner.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The primary risk is learners not recognizing the potential dismissive or jaded connotation. It's not always just a neutral statement of fact; tone and context reveal if it's meant to shut down conversation or simply state experience.

Examples

You should totally try bungee jumping! Nah, been there, done that. Not my thing anymore.
He's complaining about the challenges of starting a new business. Yeah, been there, done that. It's tough. (Here implies shared understanding)
Want to go to that same club again tonight? Ugh, no. Been there, done that too many times. (Implies boredom)

Dialogue

New Parent: I'm so sleep-deprived with the baby waking up every two hours!

Experienced Parent: (Smiling knowingly) Ah yes. Been there, done that. It gets better, I promise!

New Parent: I hope so!

Response Patterns

Oh, really? When?
Ah, okay. Fair enough.
So you know what it's like then.
Silence or change of subject (if used dismissively).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing Been there, done that:

If the tone is open, ask about their experience: What was it like for you?, Any advice?.
If the tone is dismissive or bored, usually best to drop the subject or change topic.

Action:

Signals the speaker's prior experience, potentially closing the topic or inviting questions depending on tone and context.

Conversation Starter

No. It's a response to a suggestion, description, or complaint about an experience.

Intonation

Can vary:

Weary/Bored: Often flat intonation, stress on Been and done. BEEN there, DONE that.
Knowledgeable/Understanding: More neutral, perhaps slightly empathetic tone.
Dismissive/Arrogant: Can sound clipped, slightly superior tone.

Generation Differences

Widely recognized, perhaps more frequently used by Gen X and Millennials, but understood by most.

Regional Variations

Common in American, British, Australian, and other English varieties.

Tell me about it

🎲 My heart goes out to you

[1272] Been there, done that