The idiomatic expression “move on” means to stop dwelling on a past event, situation, or emotion and focus on the present or future. It often implies letting go of negative experiences, such as disappointments, relationships, failures, or regrets, and choosing to progress mentally, emotionally, or physically. To move on is to embrace change, accept what cannot be altered, and take steps toward personal growth, healing, or new opportunities. It highlights resilience and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges.
Example Sentences
- After the breakup, she decided it was time to move on and focus on her own happiness.
- He made a mistake at work but chose to move on and do better in the future.
- The coach told the team to forget about the loss and move on to the next match.
- It’s been years since that argument; you should really move on and let go of the resentment.
- Once she accepted the job rejection, she was able to move on and find an even better opportunity.
- After grieving the loss of his pet, he slowly started to move on and embrace new routines.
- They couldn’t agree on the project, so they decided to move on and work separately.
- You can’t change the past, so the best thing to do is move on and make the most of the present.
- He realized dwelling on old failures wouldn’t help, so he chose to move on and try again.
- After a long discussion, they agreed to move on from the argument and focus on rebuilding their friendship.
Synonyms
- Let go
- Get over
- Move forward
- Turn the page
- Leave behind
- Progress
- Advance
- Forget about it
- Put it behind you
- Start fresh
Antonyms
- Dwell on
- Cling to
- Hold onto
- Ruminate
- Obsess over
- Fixate on
- Brood over
- Stay stuck
- Relive
- Remain in the past
Related Words
- Healing
- Closure
- Acceptance
- Growth
- Resilience
- Renewal
- Transition
- Forgiveness
- Recovery
- Progression
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Get over: To emotionally recover from a difficult situation or event.
- Let go: To release emotional attachment to something negative or no longer serving you.
- Put behind: To leave a negative experience in the past and not let it affect you.
- Move past: To go beyond a situation emotionally and mentally.
- Turn the page: To start a new chapter in life and leave the past behind.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Water under the bridge: Referring to past events as no longer significant or worth worrying about.
- Bury the hatchet: To reconcile and let go of past arguments or disagreements.
- Start with a clean slate: To begin anew without holding onto past mistakes or failures.
- Let bygones be bygones: To forget past grievances and move forward.
- Time to turn the page: To shift focus from the past and look toward a new chapter.
The expression “move on” emphasizes the importance of personal growth, acceptance, and forward momentum. It encourages individuals to stop clinging to negative emotions or past events and instead embrace the present and future. Synonyms like “let go,” “turn the page,” and “progress” convey similar ideas of leaving behind burdens and stepping into new opportunities. On the other hand, antonyms like “dwell on,” “ruminate,” and “stay stuck” suggest an inability to release past experiences. Related idiomatic expressions such as “bury the hatchet” or “start with a clean slate” further illustrate the value of reconciliation and renewal. Ultimately, moving on reflects strength, resilience, and the ability to adapt to life’s changes with optimism and courage.