live in the past
The idiom "live in the past" refers to a mental state where individuals focus excessively on previous experiences, hindering their engagement with the present.
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Definition
B2Psychology
(idiomatic, informal)To dwell excessively on previous experiences, hindering one's ability to engage with the present or plan for the future.
Example
- She tends to live in the past, always talking about her college days.
- If you live in the past, you'll miss out on the opportunities of today.
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)To be overly nostalgic or focused on past events, rather than current circumstances.
Example
- He's living in the past, still wearing clothes from the 80s.
- Living in the past prevents you from enjoying the present.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "live in the past":