rewrite history

rewrite history

1. To create a false narrative about how a historical event happened so as to promote one's own personal agenda or beliefs. The government is being accused of rewriting history by instructing schools to use textbooks that paint its formation 200 years ago (and the subsequent decimation of the indigenous population here) in a more positive light.
2. To achieve a level of success that sets a new record or goes against a history of performing poorly. Used especially in reference to sports. After missing out on the playoffs for nearly 50 years in a row, the team has been on a huge winning streak this season, and it has a chance to rewrite history by not only making the playoffs, but winning the whole championship. The up-and-coming player is rewriting history with his stunning debut year on the field.
See also: history, rewrite
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rewrite history

If someone rewrites history, they try to make people believe that something happened in a particular way, when that is not the truth. They were good at rewriting history when such a process suited them. As Orwell pointed out, history can be and often is rewritten to suit the needs of the present. Note: This expression is used to express disapproval.
See also: history, rewrite
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

rewrite history

select or interpret events from the past in a way that suits your own particular purposes.
See also: history, rewrite
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rewrite
  • rewrite the history books
  • go to the stake
  • might makes right
  • a value judgement
  • live (one's) own life
  • live your own life
  • (one's) (true) stripes
  • (one's) true color(s)
  • stripe
References in periodicals archive
Attempts to rewrite history in Bosnia and Herzegovina or anywhere are unacceptable, says the statement by the High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide.
By all means argue for Brexit in these columns but please don't rewrite history by sins of omission.
Tiger Roll is now 6/1 with Betfred to return to Aintree next April and rewrite history again by bidding to become the first horse to win three successive Grand Nationals.
"There are many things that fiction can accomplish, among them the capacity to rewrite history or turn convention on its head.
The ruthless Darkstalker poses a threat to all other dragons, yet one clever dragon, Qibli, has a plan to stop Darkstalker with an all-powerful scroll holding the potential to rewrite history. But the power to change time itself is a dangerous one; could Qibli's plan bring the destruction of all realms, instead of their salvation?
The former owner of BHS was yesterday accused of launching a "cynical attempt to rewrite history" as he tried to overturn a conviction relating to the firm's pension funds.
NOWSHERA -- Former Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervaiz Khattak on Tuesday said that Pakistan Threek-e-Insaf (PTI) would rewrite history by coming into power for the second consecutive term in the province by winning forthcoming general election on basis of its performance.
The post (http://www.palestinechronicle.com/friends-in-ethnic-cleansing-myanmar-and-israel-sign-education-deal-to-rewrite-history/) Both Accused of Ethnic Cleansing: Myanmar, Israel Sign Education Deal to Rewrite History appeared first on (http://www.palestinechronicle.com) Palestine Chronicle.
Celtic v Rangers Today, 2.30pm BRENDAN RODGERS insists his Celtic side are fully focused on today's Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park, on their march to rewrite history.
* Referring to the emblematic colour of the Hindu nationalist movement, RSS spokesman Manmohan Vaidya said "the true colour of Indian history is safron and to bring about cultural changes we have to rewrite history." Balmukund Pandey, the head of the historical research wing of the RSS, said he meets regularly with Sharma.
* Referring to the emblematic colour of the Hindu nationalist movement, RSS spokesman Manmohan Vaidya said "the true colour of Indian history is saffron and to bring about cultural changes we have to rewrite history." Balmukund Pandey, the head of the historical research wing of the RSS, said he meets regularly with Sharma.
Hindu nationalists in India want to rewrite history to suggest that Alauddin was an evil figure.
After reigning supreme for the past two years and joining inaugural titlist Santy Barnachea as multiple winners, Morales, 32, is determined to rewrite history as he sets out for another title quest in the eighth edition of this annual race, considered as the biggest in the country.
Will FEU Coach Olsen Racela rewrite history? Or will Ateneo mentor Tab Baldwin bring the Eagles back to the Finals?
May I remind the so-called "progressives" on both sides of the Channel when they try to rewrite history, that you simply cannot bury the truth.