# that ship has sailed

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/that-ship-has-sailed
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

It's too late

## Examples

- I want to apply for the job, but that ship has sailed.
- He waited too long to ask her to the dance, and now that ship has sailed because she is going with someone else.
- The company considered investing in the new technology last year, but now that competitors dominate the market, it is clear that ship has sailed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.