Long absent, soon forgotten.
Long absent, soon forgotten.
Meaning in plain English
People or matters that are absent for a long time may lose their place in everyday attention. The saying describes a risk of being overlooked, without proving that distance ends affection or that a forgotten person has less worth.
Example
A club realises that a former member’s contribution has disappeared from its usual introductions and includes it in the next account of the group’s history.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Long absent connects a lack of regular presence with being soon forgotten. The apparent contrast in timing suggests that familiarity can fade once someone is no longer part of daily routines. It may apply to a former colleague, an unfinished plan or a custom that stops being practised. The proverb does not establish that memory and affection always disappear together. People can retain strong connections over long separations, and those unable to keep in touch may face practical constraints. Its useful point is to notice when an important connection needs attention, without treating constant visibility as the measure of loyalty or value. It shares the attention theme of Out of sight, out of mind, without establishing a shared origin.
When to use it
Use it when a valued person, contribution or plan is slipping from everyday attention.
Keep in mind
Distance and limited contact do not prove indifference; memory, affection and circumstances differ.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 3 · Absent
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗