History repeats itself
phrase
The idea that the same events or mistakes often happen again and again throughout time.
The government is making the same mistakes with the economy as before, it seems like history repeats itself.
Often appears as...
- seems like history repeats itself
- proving history repeats itself
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Belief that similar historical events recur in similar situations.
They say history repeats itself, so we should learn from our past to avoid making the same mistakes.
Often appears as...
- history repeats itself yet again
- once again history repeats itself
phrase
The idea that the same events or mistakes often happen again and again throughout time.
The government is making the same mistakes with the economy as before, it seems like history repeats itself.
Often appears as...
- seems like history repeats itself
- proving history repeats itself
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Belief that similar historical events recur in similar situations.
They say history repeats itself, so we should learn from our past to avoid making the same mistakes.
Often appears as...
- history repeats itself yet again
- once again history repeats itself
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Common Mistakes
This phrase refers to the overall trend of repeating events, not individual people making the same mistakes.
Despite new technology, economic collapses occur frequently; indeed, history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to suggest we haven't learned from past lessons.
Ignoring climate change warnings, humanity acts as though history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 3/3Critical Tone
Can convey criticism when used to point out a failure to learn from the past.
Still, no flood defenses? It's like history repeats itself with every hurricane.
Pro Tip 1/3Common Mistakes
This phrase refers to the overall trend of repeating events, not individual people making the same mistakes.
Despite new technology, economic collapses occur frequently; indeed, history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to suggest we haven't learned from past lessons.
Ignoring climate change warnings, humanity acts as though history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 3/3Critical Tone
Can convey criticism when used to point out a failure to learn from the past.
Still, no flood defenses? It's like history repeats itself with every hurricane.
Pro Tip 1/3Common Mistakes
This phrase refers to the overall trend of repeating events, not individual people making the same mistakes.
Despite new technology, economic collapses occur frequently; indeed, history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Often used metaphorically to suggest we haven't learned from past lessons.
Ignoring climate change warnings, humanity acts as though history repeats itself.
Pro Tip 3/3Critical Tone
Can convey criticism when used to point out a failure to learn from the past.
Still, no flood defenses? It's like history repeats itself with every hurricane.
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