history repeats itself

history repeats itself

Said when something that has happened in the past recurs in the present. Can be used in the negative to mean the opposite. And, once again, I got dumped. History repeats itself. The home team has lost their last three game sevens, so I bet they're hoping that history doesn't repeat itself tonight.
See also: history, itself, repeat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

History repeats itself.

Prov. The same kinds of events seem to happen over and over. It seems that history is about to repeat itself for that poor country; it is about to be invaded again. Alan: The country is headed for an economic depression. Jane: How do you know? Alan: History repeats itself. The conditions now are just like the conditions before the last major depression.
See also: history, itself, repeat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • repeated
  • (not) give a toss
  • (not) give a fig
  • (not) care a fig
  • (not) care a toss
  • (not) care a hoot
  • (not) give two hoots
  • (not) care two hoots
  • a leg to stand on
  • the done thing
References in classic literature
History repeats itself, but the special call of an art which has passed away is never reproduced.
Mirror of the Sea
The past is past, and the man who says history repeats itself is a liar.
Martin Eden
"History repeats itself," said Gilbert, joining her as she passed the Blythe gate.
Annes House of Dreams
In this game, I am guided by two slightly overused sayings: 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,' and 'History repeats itself, first as tragedy, the second time as farce'.
Which history will repeat in UhuRuto reality show?
Thus history repeats itself. We haven't progressed very far in almost a century.
Moved by the homeless plea
But if history repeats itself, there will be another people's revolution, this time a violent one, because a dictator will not give up his powers peacefully.
Consequence to impeachment move
Continue reading "In Britain and Poland, Anti-Semitism's Ugly History Repeats Itself" at...
In Britain and Poland, Anti-Semitism's Ugly History Repeats Itself
Summary: Bern [Switzerland], Mar 12 (ANI): History repeats itself, and the fashion industry is surely a proof.
80s fashion trends comeback this spring season
PAUL HANLON is hoping history repeats itself at Tynecastle and he scores the goal that sends Hibs on the way to glory.
Hanlon targeting a new derby cup win catalyst
And so history repeats itself WE are about to see history repeating itself after Donald Trump announced his decision on the contentious issue of recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital, ignoring warnings from the majority of the United Nations' members about chaos that would follow such an announcement.
And so history repeats itself [...]; LETTERS
DUBLIN will beat Mayo on Saturday but lose to Kerry in the All-Ireland Final - if history repeats itself.
Will Dubs suffer the 30yr Mayo semi-final curse? EXCLUSIVE; History says Boys in Blue will triumph in replay but lose Sam Maguire to Kerry
Summary: As it has been said, history repeats itself first as tragedy, then as farce.
Same old mistakes
KILDARE V DUBLIN, 2PM JIM GAVIN is hoping history repeats itself where Kildare are concerned.
Dubs, Kildare Allianz
History repeats itself for Pardew, who also achieved the same feat last term.
Pardew is crowned Manager of the Month