Don’t Trip Over What’s Behind You | Meaning

As humans certain sayings and proverbs help guide our thoughts and actions. “Don’t trip over what’s behind you” is one such saying.

This is an idiom that advises us to let go of the past and focus on the future. If this expression has caught your attention and you want to know everything about it, keep reading this article.

In this article, I’ll help you understand the meaning of this expression and how to use it in a sentence. Ultimately, you’ll know the synonyms for this phrase.

What Does “Don’t Trip Over What’s Behind You” Mean?

“Don’t trip over what’s behind you” is a figurative phrase that means letting go of things that have happened and focusing on the future.

It’s a piece of advice or a reminder to not let things of the past keep you from progressing in life.

This idiom is important, especially for those who find it difficult to let go of the past.

As humans it’s natural to want to dwell on our mistakes, going over and over what we should’ve done and not have done, and crying over regrets.

First, taking a moment to reflect on the past, learning from it, and knowing certain things to avoid is important. However, dwelling on the past can limit your growth.

Therefore, this saying reminds us that the now and the future should be our goal.

Here’s how to use the expression:

• Don’t trip over what’s behind you. You’ve a lot ahead of you
• You can’t keep tripping over what’s behind you. Channel your energy into defining your future
• Mum always says we should not trip over what’s behind us but think about our bright future

10 “Don’t Trip Over What’s Behind You Synonyms 

There are several synonyms too “Don’t trip over what’s behind you.” As I’ve previously stated, this phrase reminds us to focus on the future.

So, some other idioms and sayings have similar meanings. ‘Don’t trip over spilled milk, ‘Focus on the future,’ and ‘Wipe the slate clean.’

Here are 10 synonyms for “Don’t trip over what’s behind you.”

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk

“Don’t cry over spilled milk” is an idiom that means “there’s no need to worry over something that has happened and cannot be changed.”

Just like spilled milk is useless, this phrase emphasizes that it’ll be useless to get upset over something that has happened that you can’t change.

Here’s an example:

• There’s no point in crying over spilled milk. What has happened has happened, you can’t do anything about it
• Why are you crying over spilled milk? It’s just a waste of time

Let Go of the Past 

“Let go of the past” is another way to say “Don’t trip over what’s behind you.” It’s a direct saying that advises one not to hold on to their mistakes and regrets.

Here’s an example:

• Let go of the past. It’ll help you heal
• You’ve got to let go of the past. You’re hurting yourself more

Focus on the Future 

“Focus on the future” is another way to advise someone to let go of what’s behind them. It’s a way to get them to build their future and leave the past where it belongs.

Here’s an example:

• Focus on the future. That’s the priority now
• You should focus on the future. There’s a lot to build 

Wipe the Slate Clean

“Wipe the slate clean” is another idiom that is synonymous with “Don’t trip over what’s behind you”

This saying means that one should forget things that have happened and start all over again. 

Here’s an example:

• It’s high time you wiped the slate clean and start all over
• She promises to wipe the slate clean and give John another chance 

Turn the Page 

“Turn the page” is another phrase that advises one to start all over again. It means letting go of what has been done and focusing on a new life.

Here’s an example:

• She’s turning the page this new year by taking a break
• We’ve advised her to turn the page. It’s no use to keep dwelling on what has happened 

Don’t Look Back

“Don’t look back” is another saying that means “leave what’s behind and focus on what’s in front of you.”

One who keeps looking back won’t be able to focus on the future. So, this is a great way to remind someone to forget their past.

Here’s an example:

• Don’t look back if you want to keep moving forward
• Don’t look back on your past 

Lock the Door Behind You 

“Lock the door behind you” is another expression that means letting go of the past.

This expression is derived from the idea that locking the door behind you means leaving whatever is behind you.

Here’s how to use the expression:

• Lock the door behind you so you can move forward
• It’s high time you locked the door behind you. You’ve dragged this for too long

What Is Done is Done 

“What’s done is done” is an expression that means you can’t change what has happened. It’s a way to tell someone to forget about their mistakes and move on.

Here’s how to use the expression:

• You can’t keep crying all day. What is done is done
• You’ve to move on. What’s done is done 

Move on

“Move on” is an expression that directly tells someone to get going. It’s advice you give someone still lingering on what they’ve been through.

Here’s an example:

• Forget about him and move on
• You should forgive her and move on

Bury the Past 

“Bury the past” is an idiom that means forgetting about what has happened in the past and focusing on the present and future.

Here’s an example:

• Let’s bury the past. I’m tired of holding grudges 
• Kate has agreed to bury the past. You should too 

Final Verdicts

“Don’t trip over what’s behind you” it’s great advice for people who find it difficult to get over their mistakes. It reminds them that holding on to the past will hinder their progress.

Moreover, there are various ways to give this advice. Feel free to choose from the above examples to remind those you think need it.