march past
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
Walk proudly and formally in front of someone, like soldiers do in a parade.
Literal meaning: To march (walk in formation) and pass by a fixed point — the meaning is transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To walk past a person or place in a formal or military procession.
"The regiment marched past the cenotaph during the Remembrance Day ceremony."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To pass by quickly or in sequence, often used figuratively of images or memories.
"As she sat quietly, the events of the past year seemed to march past her mind."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Most commonly used in military and ceremonial contexts. Also used as a noun: 'the march-past'. Can be used figuratively to describe a series of things passing by in quick succession.
Commonly used with
troops soldiers guard reviewing stand crowd memorial
Forms
Base
march past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
marches past
he/she/it
Past simple
marched past
yesterday
Past participle
marched past
have + pp
-ing form
marching past
continuous
Understand "march past" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "march past" on Looplines