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to cry over spilled milk
01
to feel upset or regretful about something that has already happened and cannot be undone
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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.
Example
The cake I baked didn't turn out well, but there's no point in crying over spilled milk.
I missed the chance to apply for the scholarship, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
I missed the bus to work this morning, but no need to cry over spilled milk.
My favorite vase fell and broke, but there's no sense in crying over spilled milk.
I made a minor error in the report, but I won't cry over spilled milk.
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