Do you find it difficult to apologize?
Today you’ll learn about the phrase “water under the bridge.”
Listen in to find out how to use it in the workplace to accept an apology.
Bridges in the U.S.
Lindsay shares that she thinks the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is the most beautiful bridge in the U.S.
Michelle agrees and mentions the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, which she also thinks is impressive.
In today’s episode, Lindsay and Michelle are going to talk about an idiom that uses the word ‘bridges.’
Water under the bridge
- water under the bridge: something is forgotten and forgiven
It refers to a situation that happened in the past that no longer matters.
As human beings, issues come up and once time passes, you can forgive and forget.
The idiom ‘water under the bridge’ can be used to say you’re moving on.
You have managed to move past a situation that once hurt you or offended you.
Another idiom mentioned by Lindsay in relation to this phrase, is having a ‘chip on your shoulder.’
When you refer to something as water under the bridge, you no longer have a chip on your shoulder.
This is similar to saying you no longer hold a grudge.
How to use “water under the bridge“
You can use the idiom ‘water under the bridge’ in a normal conversation or at work.
These are very diverse and will make you sound more like a native English speaker.
Here are some examples:
- Janel came to me to apologize for forgetting to send me the files. I said it’s water under the bridge.
- We have had our differences in some key financial decisions but it’s all water under the bridge now.
The power of apology
It’s vital to apologize, most especially at work.
If you made a mistake or forgot something, it is appreciated by coworkers and will definitely build stronger connections.
The idiom ‘water under the bridge’ should be used for impactful or bigger mistakes.
There is a distance between the offense and using the expression as mentioned by Michelle.
It doesn’t sound right to use it for small things like bumping into each other.
Lindsay agrees and says that a good example of this is if an employee resigns and has said some awful things towards the manager and the company.
Then the next day, they apologize, saying ‘water under the bridge’ can be too soon.
The timing is important.
Related idioms
There are similar idioms you can use that mean you’ve forgiven someone.
Here are a couple of phrases mentioned by Lindsay and Michelle:
#1: Don’t think about it
This is a common expression to say you’ve accepted an apology from someone who’s done something simple or small.
Example:
Michelle: I’m so sorry again for what happened to the presentation.
Lindsay: Oh, don’t worry about it.
#2: No hard feelings
This is also a good phrase to express you’ve moved on.
Lindsay: I know that meeting was intense and I’m sorry for how I spoke to you.
Michelle: That’s fine Lindsay. No hard feelings!
#3: Let’s put it behind us
This is another way to say you’re over the situation and you’re moving forward.
Example:
Michelle: I want to apologize for what I did yesterday
Lindsay: No problem. Let’s put it behind us.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle using the idiom shared in today’s episode.
This will better help you understand how to use this in a conversation.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Michelle had a disagreement at a meeting and they haven’t seen each other since the disagreement.
It’s been three days since they last saw each other and Michelle drops by Lindsay’s office.
Michelle: Hi Lindsay!
Lindsay: Oh hi Michelle!
Michelle: I just wanted to apologize for how I spoke to you during the meeting.
Lindsay: Oh Michelle, it’s water under the bridge.
Michelle: I know it wasn’t right and I was feeling awful about how I acted.
Lindsay: Really, it’s okay. Let’s put it behind us. It’s in the past. I’m sorry, too, for how I acted.
Michelle: Oh! Don’t worry about it!
Takeaway
Expressing yourself in the workplace, especially when you’ve made a mistake or when you’re accepting an apology, can be challenging.
Today’s episode gives you idioms and expressions that can help you clearly communicate that you’ve moved on and accepted someone’s apology.
You can also use these expressions when you’ve done something wrong and want to ask for forgiveness.
This is an important opportunity to build connection, so make sure you handle it thoughtfully.
You never know how much impact your words can have.
What are other expressions you use when accepting an apology?
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
