cry over spilled milk

/kɹˈaɪ ˌəʊvə spˈɪld mˈɪlk/

/kɹˈaɪ ˌoʊvɚ spˈɪld mˈɪlk/

[phrase]

to cry over spilled milk

[PHRASE]

to feel upset or regretful about something that has already happened and cannot be undone

to [cry] over spilled milk definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "cry over spilled milk" and when to use it?

The idiom "cry over spilled milk" may be related to the idea of spilling milk, which is a common and easily remedied mistake. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-19th century, and it is often applied to situations where someone is dwelling on a mistake or setback instead of moving on and focusing on what can be done in the present. In general, the phrase is used to encourage people to let go of past mistakes and focus on the present and future, rather than wasting time and energy on things that cannot be changed.

Examples

1. But I'm a big boy, and I figure there's no use crying over spilled milk.

2. And I think that's how we built such a big audience globally was being able to pivot, change course, move on, not cry over spilled milk, not throw good money after bad, and be authentic with our message throughout all of it no matter what the platform or the trend for people to consume content.

3. No use crying over spilled milk.

4. Oh, well, no use crying over spilled milk.

Nearby words