past

be a thing of the past

to be something that does not exist or happen any more. When video recorders were introduced, people said that the cinema would be a thing of the past. Job security is a thing of the past.

See also: thing

be first past the post (British & Australian)

if someone is first past the post in a competition, they are the first to achieve something. The Russian team were first past the post in the race to complete the expedition.

See also: first, post

be past it (informal)

to be too old for a particular activity. He was a great footballer in his day, but he's past it now.

be past your sell-by date

if someone is past their sell-by date, they are not wanted or useful any more because they are too old. There's plenty of time to have a baby, I'm not past my sell-by date yet.

See also: date

a blast from the past (informal)

something that suddenly and strongly makes you remember a previous time in your life. Hearing that record again was a real blast from the past.

See also: blast, from

can't see beyond/past the end of your nose

if you can't see beyond the end of your nose, you think so much about yourself and what affects you that you do not see what is really important. These people are so busy making money, they can't see beyond the end of their nose.

See also: beyond, can't, end, nose, see

first-past-the-post

in a first-past-the-post system of voting, a person is elected if they get the most votes in a particular area, even if their political party did not get most votes in the whole country. Many people think the British first-past-the-post system is unfair. (always before noun)

I wouldn't put it past someone

something that you say when you think that it is possible that someone might do something wrong or unpleasant. 'Do you really think he'd go off with another woman?' 'I wouldn't put it past him.' I wouldn't put it past Lorna to deny all knowledge of this plan. (often + to do something)

See also: wouldn't

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a blast from the past

something that makes you suddenly remember an earlier time in your life. Here's a blast from the past — the 1960s group the Mamas and the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this week.

See also: blast, from

live in the past

to react to conditions that existed long ago rather than those that exist now. He believes the unions cannot live in the past and must deal with the changes in society.

See also: live

not put it past someone

to not be surprised if someone does something unacceptable. Jenny wouldn't put it past Jess to turn Lester in to the FBI and claim the reward. She had a great imagination, and I wouldn't put it past her to make the whole matter up.

past your/its prime

no longer able to do something at an acceptable level because of age. The dancer was past her prime, though she performed occasionally as a guest artist.

See also: prime

a thing of the past

something that does not exist or happen any more. Your friendly local telephone operator may be a thing of the past, but you still can dial “0” and talk to a real person if you need to. Unfortunately, torture is not a thing of the past.

See also: thing