Let bygones be bygones

Origin

The concept of leaving the past behind is timeless, but the specific phrase “bygones” to refer to past events cemented itself in English through influential works. The term “bygone,” meaning “that which is gone by,” was already common from the 14th century. However, it was in the 16th century that the full idiomatic expression gained widespread currency, notably appearing in John Heywood's collection of proverbs in 1546. This concise proverb perfectly encapsulated the universal human desire to move past grievances, offering a simple yet profound linguistic tool for reconciliation that has resonated through the centuries, urging people to stop dwelling on old quarrels for the sake of future peace.