put behind

You usually say put [something] behind [someone]. Most often, the 'someone' is you or us. For example, We need to put this argument behind us. It works best for mistakes, breakups, or business failures. You can't really put behind a delicious pizza you ate yesterday. It has to be something that was bothering you.

Use this when you want to show growth. It is perfect for a deep talk with a friend after a fight. It is also great in a job interview if they ask about a past failure. You show them you learned the lesson and moved on. Use it when you want to stop the drama and start fresh. It sounds very mature and stable.

Don't use this for small, physical things. If you lost your keys, you don't put it behind you; you just find them. Also, avoid using it too soon after a tragedy. If your friend's cat died an hour ago, telling them to put it behind them will make you look like a robot. People need time to feel things before they move on.

Western culture, especially in the US and UK, values 'moving on' and 'looking forward.' There is a big focus on self-improvement and not being a victim of your past. This phrase reflects that 'pioneer' spirit. It is about the belief that the future is always more important than the history. It is a very optimistic way of thinking.

You might hear people say put it all behind me to sound more dramatic. Sometimes people say leave it in the past which means the exact same thing. Another one is water under the bridge. That one is a bit more poetic. But put behind is the most common way to say you are ready for a new chapter.