water over the dam

Idioms  

1. Also, water under the bridge. Something that is over and done with, especially an unfortunate occurrence. For example, Last year's problems with delivery are water over the dam, or Never mind that old quarrel; that's water under the bridge. These metaphoric phrases allude to water that has flowed over a spillway or under a bridge and thus is gone forever. The first term was first recorded in 1797; the variant dates from the late 1800s.

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Example Sentences

“It’s water over the dam, under the bridge, however you want to refer to it. Let’s get over it and get on with our lives.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2022

"It's been 11 years, and a lot of water over the dam," he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2015

“But to me, it’s kind of like water over the dam — it’s done.”

From Washington Post • May 12, 2013

Eddie said some things he shouldn’t have, but that’s water over the dam.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 12, 2011

The dam was about two feet high, backing the water up the rapids thirty yards and making a fall of water over the dam three feet high.

From The Chief Engineer by Abbott, Henry