What is the origin of the idiom "miss the boat" and when to use it?

The idiom "miss the boat" comes from the idea of a boat or ship leaving a dock or port, and someone arriving too late to board it. The idiom can be used in a wide range of situations, from missing a job opportunity to failing to invest in a profitable venture. It is often used to express regret or disappointment at having missed out on something that was potentially valuable or rewarding.