Is there a proverb to express “You are too late and it's your own fault.”?
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In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."
While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."
Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?
proverb-requests
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
62
down vote
favorite
In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."
While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."
Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?
proverb-requests
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
11
I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
3
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
1
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23
|
show 4 more comments
up vote
62
down vote
favorite
up vote
62
down vote
favorite
In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."
While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."
Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?
proverb-requests
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."
While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."
Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?
proverb-requests
proverb-requests
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
edited Nov 16 at 12:07
maborg
1033
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
416125
416125
11
I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
3
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
1
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23
|
show 4 more comments
11
I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
3
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
1
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23
11
11
I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
3
3
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
1
1
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
1
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
1
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23
|
show 4 more comments
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
up vote
146
down vote
accepted
More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"
(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
add a comment |
up vote
128
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
50
down vote
I can think of two that might be appropriate.
Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:
said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done
Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
add a comment |
up vote
31
down vote
A day late and a dollar short
is another idiom meaning
late and ill-prepared
There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
add a comment |
up vote
16
down vote
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
How about
He who hesitates is lost
I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...
That train has left the station.
(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)
Broadly defined:
That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.
https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986
It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.
And regarding the [pooping] ones...
"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!
Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
I've once heard the latin saying :
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].
This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed", but it doesn't really imply fault. However a common variant is "You missed the boat", which does imply that it is your fault in much the same way as the Lithuanian proverb.
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
If you say
Too little, too late
you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Although not specifically about lateness an Englishman might remind one of the ongoing consequences of a person`s actions by saying "The pigeons have come (or will have come) home to roost.
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
add a comment |
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11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
146
down vote
accepted
More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"
(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
add a comment |
up vote
146
down vote
accepted
More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"
(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
add a comment |
up vote
146
down vote
accepted
up vote
146
down vote
accepted
More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"
(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"
(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
1,136157
1,136157
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
add a comment |
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
1
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10
1
1
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
Nov 16 at 22:29
add a comment |
up vote
128
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
128
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
128
down vote
up vote
128
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,409119
1,409119
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
|
show 5 more comments
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
86
86
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16
1
1
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08
3
3
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
Nov 16 at 18:22
9
9
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
Nov 16 at 18:52
2
2
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
I doubt that I have seen 200 in total, so you might be right. I only have time to look at XKCD when I am ... xkcd.com/303
– Mawg
Nov 21 at 15:29
|
show 5 more comments
up vote
50
down vote
I can think of two that might be appropriate.
Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:
said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done
Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
add a comment |
up vote
50
down vote
I can think of two that might be appropriate.
Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:
said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done
Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
add a comment |
up vote
50
down vote
up vote
50
down vote
I can think of two that might be appropriate.
Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:
said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done
Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
I can think of two that might be appropriate.
Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:
said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done
Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:
A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.
Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
edited Nov 14 at 22:47
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,22328
1,22328
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
add a comment |
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
7
7
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
Nov 16 at 11:01
2
2
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
Nov 17 at 2:27
add a comment |
up vote
31
down vote
A day late and a dollar short
is another idiom meaning
late and ill-prepared
There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
add a comment |
up vote
31
down vote
A day late and a dollar short
is another idiom meaning
late and ill-prepared
There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
add a comment |
up vote
31
down vote
up vote
31
down vote
A day late and a dollar short
is another idiom meaning
late and ill-prepared
There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
A day late and a dollar short
is another idiom meaning
late and ill-prepared
There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
answered Nov 14 at 22:51
Michael J.
2,022515
2,022515
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
add a comment |
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
Nov 18 at 9:56
1
1
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
Nov 18 at 17:29
add a comment |
up vote
16
down vote
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
add a comment |
up vote
16
down vote
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
add a comment |
up vote
16
down vote
up vote
16
down vote
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
answered Nov 15 at 2:09
Arcanist Lupus
2693
2693
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
add a comment |
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
10
10
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05
19
19
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
Nov 16 at 9:14
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
This expresses the corollary of the OP's thought.
– Andrew Neely
Nov 21 at 14:39
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
How about
He who hesitates is lost
I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
How about
He who hesitates is lost
I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
down vote
How about
He who hesitates is lost
I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
How about
He who hesitates is lost
I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
answered Nov 14 at 22:28
pbasdf
872116
872116
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...
That train has left the station.
(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)
Broadly defined:
That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.
https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986
It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.
And regarding the [pooping] ones...
"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!
Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...
That train has left the station.
(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)
Broadly defined:
That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.
https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986
It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.
And regarding the [pooping] ones...
"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!
Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
add a comment |
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...
That train has left the station.
(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)
Broadly defined:
That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.
https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986
It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.
And regarding the [pooping] ones...
"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!
Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...
That train has left the station.
(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)
Broadly defined:
That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.
https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986
It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.
And regarding the [pooping] ones...
"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!
Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
edited Nov 16 at 15:02
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
answered Nov 15 at 4:38
KannE
804114
804114
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
add a comment |
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33
1
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
Nov 16 at 12:28
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
I've once heard the latin saying :
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].
This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
I've once heard the latin saying :
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].
This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
I've once heard the latin saying :
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].
This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
I've once heard the latin saying :
Tarde venientibus ossa.
Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].
This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
answered Nov 15 at 15:03
mcadorel
1114
1114
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
add a comment |
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed", but it doesn't really imply fault. However a common variant is "You missed the boat", which does imply that it is your fault in much the same way as the Lithuanian proverb.
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed", but it doesn't really imply fault. However a common variant is "You missed the boat", which does imply that it is your fault in much the same way as the Lithuanian proverb.
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed", but it doesn't really imply fault. However a common variant is "You missed the boat", which does imply that it is your fault in much the same way as the Lithuanian proverb.
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed", but it doesn't really imply fault. However a common variant is "You missed the boat", which does imply that it is your fault in much the same way as the Lithuanian proverb.
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
edited Nov 21 at 17:33
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
answered Nov 17 at 8:51
Paul Johnson
1,064413
1,064413
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
add a comment |
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
1
1
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
Yes but neither has any inference of "fault", does it?
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 19 at 20:28
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
@RobbieGoodwin "That ship has sailed" may not, but "You missed the boat" does. Answer edited, as its a good point.
– Paul Johnson
Nov 21 at 17:29
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
Oh? Then is it "my fault" there's no use flogging your dead horse?
– Robbie Goodwin
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
If you say
Too little, too late
you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
If you say
Too little, too late
you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
add a comment |
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
If you say
Too little, too late
you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
If you say
Too little, too late
you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
answered Nov 17 at 7:36
DaveBoltman
48438
48438
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Although not specifically about lateness an Englishman might remind one of the ongoing consequences of a person`s actions by saying "The pigeons have come (or will have come) home to roost.
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
Although not specifically about lateness an Englishman might remind one of the ongoing consequences of a person`s actions by saying "The pigeons have come (or will have come) home to roost.
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Although not specifically about lateness an Englishman might remind one of the ongoing consequences of a person`s actions by saying "The pigeons have come (or will have come) home to roost.
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
Although not specifically about lateness an Englishman might remind one of the ongoing consequences of a person`s actions by saying "The pigeons have come (or will have come) home to roost.
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
answered Nov 21 at 11:55
Aled Cymro
1695
1695
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
add a comment |
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
He might well, and that's really not comparable. "The pigeons have (will have) come home to roost" means only that someone's been caught out… if you like, that the pigeon keeper has been caught out but either way, nothing to do with anyone being late unless it's changed to "The pigeons have (will have) already come home to roost."
– Robbie Goodwin
Nov 22 at 19:12
add a comment |
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I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46
3
Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07
1
A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
Nov 18 at 22:20
1
@Bobble Doesn't that usually mean something akin to 'being unprepared for a situation'? If so, it has nothing to do with what OP said.
– Suthek
Nov 22 at 10:23