What does "dwell on" mean?

Spend too much time thinking or talking about something. For example: Don't dwell on the past.

dwell on

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on

Meanings

Why “on”? Eyes or thought land on a point and stay there.

“Don't dwell on the past.”

Don't spend too much time thinking about the past.

“She dwelled on the mistake for days.”

She spent too much time thinking about the mistake for days.

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“Don't dwell on the past.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

bear on

Same on pattern: attention

Be relevant or related to something

check on

Same on pattern: attention

Make sure someone or something is safe or all right

chew on

Same on pattern: attention

Think carefully about something for a while

focus on

Same on pattern: attention

Direct attention or effort on something

look on

Same on pattern: attention

Watch something happen without taking part; Regard or consider someone or something in a particular way

sleep on

Same on pattern: attention

Wait until the next day before deciding; Ignore or miss a good chance while it is available

spy on

Same on pattern: attention

Watch someone secretly

touch on

Same on pattern: attention

Mention a topic briefly

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