9 Top Idioms For Remembering The Past

English Idioms for Remembering The Past, expressions, and proverbs are an important part of the English language, both spoken and written English are saturated with them.

For ESL Students idioms for Remembering The Past are confusing to understand, the reason being Idioms don’t make common sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, ESL students must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at Lillypad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners content with comprehending the true meaning and fitting usage. This idioms list of Remembering The Past makes learning easy, with common Remembering The Past idioms, definitions, and example sentences that make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Remembering The Past together.

Idioms for Remembering The Past with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

1. Crying Over Spilled Milk

Definition and Meaning: Crying Over Spilled Milk

The expression “crying over spilled milk” is used to describe someone who is upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Crying Over Spilled Milk Example Sentences:

• There’s no point in crying over spilled milk – we just need to focus on finding a solution to the problem.
• Don’t worry about it – it’s just crying over spilled milk Let’s move on.
• Stop crying over spilled milk and start looking for a way to fix the situation.
• I know you’re upset, but there’s no use in crying over spilled milk Let’s figure out what we can do now.

2. Refresh Someone’s Memory

Definition and Meaning: Refresh Someone’s Memory

This expression means to remind someone of a memory that they’ve forgotten.

Refresh Someone’s Memory Example Sentences:

• Let me refresh your memory with these photographs.
• I’m not sure I remember. Let me refresh my memory.
• Can you do me a favor and refresh my memory about how we met?
• The older I get, the more difficult it seems to refresh my memory.
• You probably need to refresh your memory as that was ages ago.

3. Don’t Look Back

Definition and Meaning: Don’t Look Back

The expression “don’t look back” means that you should not dwell on the past or regret what has happened.

Don’t Look Back Example Sentences:

• Don’t look back, just keep pushing forward and you’ll reach your goals
• Don’t look back, the past is in the past and you can’t change it
• Don’t look back, you can’t go back and undo what’s already been done
• Don’t look back, focus on the present and make the most of it
• Don’t look back, keep your eyes on the prize and you’ll get there eventually

4. Dwelling On The Past

Definition and Meaning: Dwelling On The Past

The expression “dwelling on the past” means to focus on or think about past events or experiences instead of the present or future.

Dwelling On The Past Example Sentences:

• She was so caught up in dwelling on the past that she couldn’t focus on the present.
• He was dwelling on the past and refused to move forward with his life.
• I tried to get her to stop dwelling on the past and look to the future.
• Don’t waste your time dwelling on the past, focus on what you can do now.
• She was so consumed with dwelling on the past that she was unable to make any progress.

5. What’s Done Is Done

Definition and Meaning: What’s Done Is Done

The expression “What’s done is done” means that once something has happened, it cannot be changed.

What’s Done Is Done Example Sentences:

• I know I made a mistake, but what’s done is done and I can’t take it back now.
• I can’t keep dwelling on the past, what’s done is done and I need to move on.
• I’m sorry for what happened, but what’s done is done and there’s no use in worrying about it now.
• I know I should have done things differently, but what’s done is done and I can’t change it now.
• I regret my decision, but what’s done is done and I have to accept it.

6. Dwelling On What Might Have Been

Definition and Meaning: Dwelling On What Might Have Been

The expression “dwelling on what might have been” means to focus on what could have happened, instead of what actually did happen.

Dwelling On What Might Have Been Example Sentences:

• Instead of dwelling on what might have been, I’m focusing on what I can do now to make the most of the situation.
• She spent too much time dwelling on what might have been and not enough time looking forward to the future.
• He was so caught up in dwelling on what might have been that he failed to recognize the opportunities in front of him.
• I know it’s easy to get stuck dwelling on what might have been, but it’s important to remember that the future is still full of possibilities.
• Don’t waste your time dwelling on what might have been; focus on what you can do now to make the most of the present.

7. To Move On

Definition and Meaning: To Move On

This expression means to continue on to the next thing, or to forget about something and move on to something else.

To Move On Example Sentences:

• After the argument, we decided it was best to move on and not dwell on the issue
• I’m ready to move on from this job and find something more challenging
• We need to move on from this project and focus on the next one
• After the breakup, I had to force myself to move on and not look back
• We can’t keep talking about this, it’s time to move on and discuss something else

8. Trip Down Memory Lane

Definition and Meaning: Trip Down Memory Lane

A “trip down memory lane” is when people remember, reminisce, and talk about things or memories in the past.

Trip Down Memory Lane Example Sentences:

• I like meeting my old friends. We always take a trip down memory lane.
• You’re taking me a trip down memory lane with all these old stories.
• Why don’t we take a trip down memory lane and visit our old school?

9. Learn From Your Mistakes

Definition and Meaning: Learn From Your Mistakes

The expression “learn from your mistakes” means that you should learn from the mistakes that you make in order to avoid making them in the future.

Learn From Your Mistakes Example Sentences:

• If you want to become a better cook, you need to learn from your mistakes and try different recipes
• If you want to become a better student, you need to learn from your mistakes and pay more attention in class
• If you want to become a better driver, you need to learn from your mistakes and practice defensive driving techniques
• If you want to become a better athlete, you need to learn from your mistakes and practice more often
• If you want to become a better leader, you need to learn from your mistakes and listen to feedback from your team

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