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# lessons have been learned

phrase (fixed sentence, passive: lessons have been learned / learnt)

«lessons have been learned» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, official) we failed, and we were blamed, but we will not say who is responsible.
2. (literal) people have learned from experience.

### In the lessons

Used by governments, hospitals, councils and companies after a scandal or disaster to sound responsible without accepting personal blame. Often said by spokespeople and mocked by journalists. Register: official, spin; all regions, especially UK.

### Examples

- The council says lessons have been learned after the flood.
- News: Lessons have been learned, the hospital chief said, but no one resigned.
- Chat: «lessons have been learned» = nobody's getting sacked
- After losing the match, the coach said lessons had been learned.
- Teacher: After the trip, lessons have been learned — bring a coat!
- Critics asked why the same lessons have to be learned again and again.

### Note

The passive voice hides who learned and who was wrong. It is not a real promise to change. «Learnt» is the UK spelling too. Plain words: we failed.