be past (something)

1. To be later than a particular time. I can't believe it's already past eight—you need to get ready for bed! A: "Where's Mom?" B: "In bed, obviously. It's way past her bedtime." It's past 4:00? Aw man, if I don't leave now, I'm gonna miss my train!

2. To be located physically away from something. Keep going, the building is just past the garden. See Mrs. Smith's classroom? OK, well, the principal's office is just past that. A: "Oh, I thought the restaurant was on the main drag." B: "No, it's way past that."

3. To no longer be concerned with or bothered by something. I used to be very nervous about driving, but I'm past it now that I have more experience. I haven't heard from Robert in a week, and I'm past thinking that he'll call. Yeah, I was annoyed by it at the time, but I'm past all that now.

4. To have overcome a problem or difficulty in a relationship or situation. Yes, we had issues with communication early in our marriage, but we're past that now, thanks to couples counseling. I'm so glad that you and David are past all those petty differences. We were high school sweethearts, and now that we're older and wiser, we're past all the drama and stronger than ever.

be past

1. To be later than some time: It's already past noon and I still haven't eaten breakfast.

2. To be located at a greater distance than something: The graveyard is past the school.

3. To have overcome some experience or no longer believe it to be important: It used to annoy me when they called me "four-eyes," but I'm past that now.

4. To have given up on something: I believe my cat has run away, and I am past hoping for his return.

5. To be too old or feeble to accomplish something: That football player is clearly past it and should give up the sport.