cry over spilt milk

cry over spilt milk

also cry over spilled milk

Meaning:

• to be upset about things that have already been done
• to cry about past events that cannot be undone
• to dwell pointlessly about a mistake that can no longer be changed
• to be upset about past misfortunes
• to feel sorry about something that has already happened

Examples:

1. While its sad that the results have not been as good as you expected, you should now focus on moving ahead and achieving better results next time; there is no use crying over spilt milk.
2. Vivek’s car was badly damaged in the accident and he was angry about what had happened, but he soon realized that there was no use crying over spilt milk.
3. “Its no use crying over spilt milk – it was a bad investment, the money has been lost and there’s nothing we can do.”
4. Mona was unable to accept the reality of her divorce. She was crying over spilt milk.
5. The school trip had been a disaster, but we did not want to dwell on it. It was no use crying over spilt milk.

Origin:
The phrase is quite an old one but the origin is not very clear. In its present form, it has been in use since the late 1800s.

C 7 Comments

take name in vain ❯❮ caught between two stools