I forgot to buy tickets and now I have missed the boat.
Miss the boat
idiomIt's too late
Origin
disputed originEarly 20th century; from literally arriving too late to board a departing boat, hence losing the opportunity.
The sale ended yesterday, so you missed the boat if you wanted to get that cheap laptop.
Investors who waited too long for the market to drop further eventually missed the boat when prices suddenly began to rise again.
Last updated June 6, 2026