ENGLISH ADVANCED - REMINISCING IDIOMS

IDIOM EXAMPLE USE

1. A thing of the past Dial-up modems are a thing of the past.
A. □ Something reminds you of the past, giving you a
sense of nostalgia
2. Before your time  The Beatles were a bit before my time.
B. □ Refers to a time in the past when you remember life
being better in some way
3. In the good old days  In the good old days children didn’t have
smartphones and video games; they played C. □ Compensate for previous delays or you spend a lot
outside together.” of time doing something that you were unable to
previously
4. Let bygones be bygone I know he hurt you but that was two years ago.
Let bygones be bygones D. □ It is said when you want to tell someone to forget
about something unpleasant from the past
5. A blast from the past  I bumped into one of my old school friends
today – what a blast from the past!” E. □ It is used to talk about a time long ago, usually by
way of reminiscing
6. Long time no see  Hi John, long time no see! We should meet
up soon.” F. □ It reminds you of something from the past that you
can’t quite remember clearly
7. Make up for lost time The two friends hadn’t seen each other for
years so they are making up for lost time by G. □ It doesn’t happen or exist any more
taking a holiday together
8. Once upon a time  Once upon a time, it was safe to walk around
this town at night. H. □ It simply means that it has been a long time since
you last saw someone.
9. Rings a bell Her name rings a bell but I can’t remember
how I know her.” I. □ When an opportunity has passed by and it’s too late
to do anything about it
10. That ship has sailed I always dreamed of being a footballer but I’m
too old now; that ship has sailed. J. □ Spending time reminiscing about the past,
especially about happy memories
ENGLISH ADVANCED - REMINISCING IDIOMS

11. Take a trip down My grandmother loves to take a trip down

memory lane memory lane and tell me about her childhood. □ It happened or was popular before you were born or
for you to remember it.