thing of the past: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘thing of the past’ mean?
The idiom "thing of the past" refers to something that is no longer relevant or in use, indicating that it belongs to a previous time or era.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "water under the bridge" means that something has happened in the past and is no longer important or relevant in the present.
The idiomatic phrase "used to" is commonly used to refer to something that was done or experienced in the past but no longer occurs or exists in the present. It implies a change or discontinuation of a previous habit, state, or situation.
The idiom "unused to" is used to describe a situation where someone is not accustomed to or familiar with something. It implies a lack of experience or familiarity in a particular context or activity.
An idiomatic expression often used to refer to something or someone that existed or happened before a person was born, suggesting that they were not even a thought or possibility at that time.
The idiom "time out of mind" means a period of time so long ago that it is difficult to remember or imagine. It conveys a sense of antiquity or the distant past.
The idiom "time flies" means that time passes quickly without us realizing it.
The idiom "think back" means to reflect or remember a previous time or event. It often involves recalling memories or considering past experiences in order to gain insight or make comparisons to the present.
The idiom "the thing of it" is used to express the difficulty or complexity of a situation or problem. It emphasizes the challenging aspect of a particular matter.
Origin Revealed
The idiom "thing of the past" is frequently used to describe something that is no longer relevant or common in the present time. It refers to outdated ideas, practices, or technologies that have been replaced by newer and more advanced alternatives. This idiomatic expression implies that the mentioned thing is no longer part of the present or will soon become irrelevant in the near future.
The origin or etymology of the idiom "thing of the past" is not explicitly known. However, it can be inferred that the idiom draws on the concept of time and the idea that as time progresses, things change and evolve. The idiom suggests that the mentioned thing belongs to a previous era or time period and is now considered outdated.
Furthermore, the idiom "thing of the past" is versatile in its usage, allowing it to be applied to a wide range of topics and contexts. It can be used to discuss technological advancements, cultural shifts, social norms, and even personal experiences. The idiom often carries a connotation of progress and advancement, emphasizing the idea that society or individuals have moved beyond the mentioned thing.
In contemporary usage, the idiom "thing of the past" is often used nostalgically or reflectively. It can evoke a sense of longing or nostalgia for the past while acknowledging the inevitability and necessity of change. The idiom serves as a reminder of the transient nature of time and the continuous cycle of advancement and obsolescence.
One related idiom to "thing of the past" is "out of date." This idiom emphasizes that the mentioned thing is no longer in line with current standards or trends. It suggests that the thing in question is obsolete or behind the times. This idiomatic expression further emphasizes the notion that the mentioned thing is no longer relevant or commonly used in the present.
Another related idiom to "thing of the past" is "ancient history." This idiom implies that the mentioned thing is so old or distant in the past that it is no longer of importance or relevance. It suggests that the thing is a part of a bygone era or time period that is now considered ancient or remote. This idiomatic expression carries a sense of the past being forgotten or no longer significant in the present.
Overall, the idiom "thing of the past" encapsulates the concept of change and progress. It highlights the transient nature of ideas, practices, and technologies, emphasizing their eventual obsolescence. While the idiom carries a sense of finality, it also leaves room for contemplation and curiosity about what other things might become "things of the past" in the future.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *thing of the past* can be used in a sentence:
- With the rise of smartphones, traditional landlines have become a *thing of the past*.
- Thanks to advancements in technology, handwritten letters are now considered a *thing of the past*.
- Since the invention of email, sending physical mail has become a *thing of the past*.
This idiom is typically used to describe something that used to be common or popular but is no longer present or relevant due to changes or advancements.
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