take a trip down memory lane meaning in english

U.S. Dictionary.com Newsletter

Fill in the form below and receive news in your email box, go down memory lane: definition, meaning, and origin.

The idiom "go down memory lane" means to reminisce or recall pleasant memories of the past. It is common in everyday language, mainly when people discuss their childhood, school days, old friends, or family.

In short: It means to think back on or relive happy moments from the past. It is often used sentimentally, to express nostalgia or affection for the past.

What Does "Go Down Memory Lane" Mean?

"Go down memory lane" means to think back or talk about the past, especially the happy or pleasant moments. It is often used when people want to share their memories with others or relive them in their minds.

Some crucial aspects of the idiom's meaning are:

• It is usually followed by the preposition "with" if another person is involved.
• It can be used in different tenses depending on the time frame of the action.
• It can be used in different moods depending on the attitude or intention of the speaker.
• It can be used in different voices depending on the perspective or focus of the sentence.

Where Does "Go Down Memory Lane" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "go down memory lane" can be traced back to the title of a popular song in 1924 called " Memory Lane ." The song was written by Bud de Sylva and composed by Larry Spier and Con Conrad. Several singers and bands, such as Dean Martin and Isham Jones, have sung it. The lyrics describe a nostalgic journey through the past, where the singer revisits his old love and dreams.

Here are some lines from the song:

"Come let us stroll down memory lane. Let's live those moments once again. Let's wander back to where we met, and try to banish all regret."

Historical Example

The phrase "memory lane" gradually evolved into the idiom "go down memory lane," which became more common and idiomatic over time. The idiom was first recorded in print in 1965, in a newspaper article about a reunion of World War II veterans. The article said: "They went down memory lane, recalling incidents that happened during their training days at Camp Shelby, Miss., before they went overseas."

10 Examples of "Go Down Memory Lane" in Sentences

Here are some examples of this idiom in different contexts and situations:

• Every time I hear that song, I go down memory lane and remember the first love of my life .
• She loved going down memory lane and looking at old family photos as of late .
• Let's go down memory lane and watch our wedding video together. Love ya!
• No questions asked . He didn't want to go down memory lane and discuss his painful past.
• They decided to go down memory lane and visit their old school one fine day .
• About last night , she went down memory lane and wrote a memoir about her childhood.
• It seemed like he enjoyed going down memory lane and telling stories to his grandchildren.
• Out of the blue , they went down memory lane and laughed at their silly mistakes.
• She felt blue when she went down memory lane and realized how much she missed her friends.
• He went down memory lane and felt grateful and happy for all his blessings.

Examples of "Go Down Memory Lane" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has appeared in pop culture:

• In the 1991 film "The Fisher King," directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Robin Williams and Jeff Bridges, there is a scene where the two main characters go to a video store and watch clips of old movies and TV shows. They "go down memory lane" and comment on their favorite actors and scenes.
• In the 2004 episode "The One with All the Other Ones" of the sitcom "Friends," which was the second part of the series finale, there is a montage of clips from previous episodes that show the memories and moments of the six friends. The episode is a tribute to the fans and a way of "going down memory lane" for the cast and crew.
• In the 2012 novel "The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling, her first adult book after the Harry Potter series, there is a character named Colin Wall, a teacher and a deputy headmaster. He often goes down memory lane and thinks about his past students and colleagues, especially his mentor, who died of cancer.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Go Down Memory Lane"

Here are some synonyms or related expressions that can be used to convey the same or similar meaning as the idiom:

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Go Down Memory Lane"

Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom, along with their answers:

• What does "go down memory lane" mean?
• What is the origin of the phrase "go down memory lane"?

The origin of the idiom "go down memory lane" can be traced back to the title of a popular song in 1924 called "Memory Lane."

• What are some synonyms for "go down memory lane"?

There are several synonyms or related expressions that can be used to convey the same or similar meaning, such as "reminisce," "recall," "remember," "recollect," "reflect," "revisit," "relive," or "review."

• What is the difference between "go down memory lane" and "reminisce"?

Both verbs mean to think or talk about past events or experiences, especially with pleasure or nostalgia. However, "go down memory lane" is more idiomatic and metaphorical, while "reminisce" is more literal and formal.

• Is "go down memory lane" always positive?

No, sometimes it can also imply sadness or regret, especially if the memories are painful or lost.

• Can you use "go down memory lane" in a question?

Yes, you can use it in a question, either as an invitation or a request. Example: "Do you want to go down memory lane with me?"

• How do you use "go down memory lane" in a sentence?

You can use it in various contexts and situations, such as conversations, stories, speeches, or songs. It is usually followed by the preposition "with" if another person is involved. It can be used in different tenses depending on the time frame of the action. It can be used in different moods depending on the attitude or intention of the speaker. It can be used in other voices depending on the perspective or focus of the sentence.

• What are some benefits of "going down memory lane"?

It can help you appreciate and cherish the past and the people and things that were part of it. In addition, it can help you learn from your experiences and mistakes and grow as a person. Furthermore, it can help you cope with stress, loss, or change and find comfort and solace in your memories. Lastly, it can help you connect with others who share your memories and strengthen your relationships.

• What are some drawbacks of "going down memory lane"?

It can make you sad or depressed, especially if the memories are painful or lost. Additionally, it can make you feel nostalgic or regretful, especially if the past was better than the present. Moreover, it can make you lose touch with reality and neglect the present and the future. It can also isolate you from others who do not share your memories and create conflicts or misunderstandings.

• How popular is the idiom "go down memory lane" ?

It is quite popular nowadays as nostalgia is a common theme in some social media posts.

Final Thoughts About "Go Down Memory Lane"

The idiom "go down memory lane" is a common and expressive way of saying someone thinks or talks about the past, especially the happy or pleasant moments. It originated from the title of a popular song in 1924 and has been used in various forms of pop culture since then.

In summary:

• It means to reminisce or recall pleasant memories of the past.
• It is often used in a sentimental way to express nostalgia or regret.
• It can be modified by using different verbs or nouns.
• Depending on the action's time frame, attitude, and perspective, it can be used in different tenses, moods, and voices.

Related posts:

• Welcome Aboard: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Repoed: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• I Hope All Is Well With You: Definition, Meaning, Alternatives
• Circle Back (To Something): Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Put A Pin In It: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Sync up: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Leave Me Open: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Jump on The Bandwagon: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• A Third Wheel: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Feel Down: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• Mull It Over: Definition, Meaning and Origin
• In A Fix : Definition, Meaning And Origin
• Wound Tight: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• On Good Terms: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• In Cold Blood: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook . Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

• Play Me for a Fool: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Look Cool: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• How's Your Family?: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
• Combine With: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

memory lane

Definition of memory lane

Examples of memory lane in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'memory lane.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1903, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near memory lane

memory-hole

memory lapse

Cite this Entry

“Memory lane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/memory%20lane. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, more commonly mispronounced words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, 12 bird names that sound like compliments, 10 scrabble words without any vowels, 12 more bird names that sound like insults (and sometimes are), 8 uncommon words related to love, 9 superb owl words, games & quizzes.

Take a trip down memory lane // Commit something to memory // If my memory serves me correctly

Today we will review three new idioms. Take a trip down memory lane, Commit something to memory, and If my memory serves me correctly. Review the definitions below and then look at the 3 example sentences for each idiom. After reviewing the information, try to make your own examples for each idiom.

TAKE A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Commit something to memory, if my memory serves me correctly.

[optin-cat id=”80″]

A Trip Down Memory Lane

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus
• Hồ sơ của tôi
• Trợ giúp cho +Plus

Ý nghĩa của take a stroll/trip/walk down memory lane trong tiếng Anh

Take a stroll/trip/walk down memory lane.

• aide-mémoire
• awaken someone to something
• be engraved on someone's memory/mind idiom
• be etched on/in someone's memory idiom
• if my memory serves me right idiom
• in commemoration of someone/something
• jog someone's memory idiom
• remind someone of something/someone
• reminiscence

Bản dịch của take a stroll/trip/walk down memory lane

Nhận một bản dịch nhanh và miễn phí!

Từ của Ngày

singing or playing notes that are at the right pitch (= level) or that agree with others being sung or played

Trang nhật ký cá nhân

Alike and analogous (Talking about similarities, Part 1)

Tìm hiểu thêm với +Plus

• Gần đây và được khuyến nghị {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Các định nghĩa Các giải nghĩa rõ ràng về tiếng Anh viết và nói tự nhiên Tiếng Anh Từ điển Người học Tiếng Anh Anh Essential Tiếng Anh Mỹ Essential
• Ngữ pháp và từ điển từ đồng nghĩa Các giải thích về cách dùng của tiếng Anh viết và nói tự nhiên Ngữ pháp Từ điển từ đồng nghĩa
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Trung Quốc (Giản Thể) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Trung Quốc (Phồn Thể) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• Anh–Hà Lan Tiếng Hà Lan–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Pháp Tiếng Pháp–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Đức Tiếng Đức–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Indonesia Tiếng Indonesia–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Ý Tiếng Ý–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Nhật Tiếng Nhật–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Na Uy Tiếng Na Uy–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Ba Lan Tiếng Ba Lan–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Bồ Đào Nha Tiếng Bồ Đào Nha–Tiếng Anh
• Tiếng Anh–Tiếng Tây Ban Nha Tiếng Tây Ban Nha–Tiếng Anh
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Các danh sách từ
• Tiếng Anh    Idiom
• Translations
• Tất cả các bản dịch

Thêm take a stroll/trip/walk down memory lane vào một trong các danh sách dưới đây của bạn, hoặc thêm mới.

{{message}}

Có lỗi xảy ra.

Có vấn đề xảy ra khi gửi báo cáo của bạn.

Spanish translation of 'to take a trip down memory lane'

• to take a trip down memory lane

Examples of 'to take a trip down memory lane' in a sentence to take a trip down memory lane

Browse alphabetically to take a trip down memory lane.

• to take a toss
• to take a tough line on sth
• to take a trip
• to take a wife
• to take account of sth
• to take action against
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'T'

Related terms of to take a trip down memory lane

Quick word challenge

Quiz Review

Score: 0 / 5

Wordle Helper

Scrabble Tools