see (something) in the rearview mirror

To relegate something in one's mind to the past, so as not to have to deal with or confront it any longer. Likened to looking at something recede in the distance as one drives away in one's car. This was without a doubt our worst year for sales. I'll certainly be glad to see it in the rearview mirror. Look, I don't want to drag out some lengthy court case. I would rather just see the whole thing in the rearview mirror.