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Definitions

let bygones be bygones

NOUN
bury the hatchet
Synonyms
WEAK
accept apology bear no malice end a quarrel forget forgive hold out an olive branch kiss and make up make a peace offering make peace smoke the peace pipe wipe the slate clean
VERB
forgive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
absolve condone excuse forget
STRONG
acquit amnesty clear commute efface exculpate exempt exonerate extenuate overlook palliate pocket purge release relent remit reprieve respite spring
WEAK
accept apology allow for bear no malice bear with bury the hatchet dismiss from mind kiss and make up laugh off let it go let off let off easy let pass let up on make allowance think no more of turn other cheek wink at wipe the slate clean
Antonyms
STRONGEST
condemn
STRONG
accuse blame hold increase keep maintain sentence
WEAK
censure charge punish
VERB
overlook
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disregard ignore
STRONG
condone excuse forgive handle stomach take whitewash
WEAK
bear with blink at go along with grin and bear it let go let pass live with look the other way pay no mind play past put up with roll with punches stand for swim with the tide tune out turn blind eye to wink at wipe the slate clean
Antonyms
STRONGEST
note pay attention regard
STRONG
censure refuse reject
WEAK
attend deny follow heed honor look at notice prevent respect serve veto

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That 36 in Adelaide and 78 in Leeds serve to highlight the temperament of players who can let bygones be bygones and remember only the good times.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2024

In a video, he said the army was ready for negotiations, but "we will not let bygones be bygones."

From Reuters • Oct. 25, 2023

In a polite world, the trio would have invited her to join their celebration and let bygones be bygones.

From Salon • Jul. 6, 2022

And in a potential sign of the Sanders campaign’s willingness to let bygones be bygones, Mr. Shakir said on Wednesday that the January episode with Mr. Biden “didn’t leave any indelible impression.”

From New York Times • Apr. 16, 2020

She asked her sister to let bygones be bygones and permit her to come to the house at least to see the children once in a while.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith