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 yesterday
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
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up vote
39
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 yesterday
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
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april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3
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
yesterday
2
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
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
39
down vote
favorite
up vote
39
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 yesterday
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
New contributor
april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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 yesterday
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
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april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited yesterday
maborg
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
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april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited yesterday
maborg
1033
edited yesterday
maborg
1033
edited yesterday
maborg
1033
1033
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
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april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
asked Nov 14 at 14:58
april
298125
298125
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april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3
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
yesterday
2
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
yesterday
add a comment |
3
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
yesterday
2
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
yesterday
3
3
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
2
2
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
yesterday
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
yesterday
add a comment |
10 Answers
10
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oldest
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up vote
113
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
806157
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1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
89
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
56
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
2 days ago
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
42
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
1,12328
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
19
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 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
add a comment |
up vote
9
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 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
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7
“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
2 days ago
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
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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 2 days ago
KannE
79814
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
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 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
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 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
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.
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
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 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
add a comment |
up vote
1
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@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
add a comment |
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10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
10 Answers
10
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
113
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
806157
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1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
113
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
806157
New contributor
Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
113
down vote
accepted
up vote
113
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
806157
New contributor
Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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
806157
New contributor
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answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
806157
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Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
806157
answered Nov 14 at 17:36
Ddddan
806157
806157
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Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
add a comment |
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
1
1
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
2 days ago
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
20 hours ago
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
20 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
89
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
56
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
2 days ago
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
89
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
56
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
2 days ago
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
89
down vote
up vote
89
down vote
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
answered Nov 14 at 16:20
Dmann
1,01917
1,01917
56
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
2 days ago
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
add a comment |
56
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
2 days ago
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
56
56
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
2 days ago
I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
2 days ago
1
1
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
yesterday
4
4
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
42
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
1,12328
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
42
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
1,12328
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
42
down vote
up vote
42
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
1,12328
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
1,12328
edited 2 days ago
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,12328
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,12328
answered Nov 14 at 16:13
drewhart
1,12328
1,12328
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
add a comment |
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
5
5
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
yesterday
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
16 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
19
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 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
add a comment |
up vote
19
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 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
add a comment |
up vote
19
down vote
up vote
19
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 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
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 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
answered 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
answered 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
answered 2 days ago
Michael J.
1,792414
1,792414
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
9
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 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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7
“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
2 days ago
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
9
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 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
7
“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
2 days ago
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
9
down vote
up vote
9
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 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
The early bird gets the worm.
Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)
answered 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
answered 2 days ago
Arcanist Lupus
1992
1992
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
7
“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
2 days ago
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
add a comment |
7
“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
2 days ago
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
7
7
“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
2 days ago
“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
2 days ago
12
12
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
2 days ago
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
yesterday
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 2 days ago
KannE
79814
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
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 2 days ago
KannE
79814
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
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 2 days ago
KannE
79814
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 2 days ago
KannE
79814
edited yesterday
answered 2 days ago
KannE
79814
answered 2 days ago
KannE
79814
answered 2 days ago
KannE
79814
79814
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
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
2 days ago
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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
@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
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
2 days ago
1
1
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
yesterday
add a comment |
up vote
6
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 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
add a comment |
up vote
6
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 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
add a comment |
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
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 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
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 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
answered 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
answered 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
answered 2 days ago
pbasdf
842116
842116
add a comment |
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 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
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.
2 days ago
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 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
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.
2 days ago
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 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
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 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
answered 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
answered 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
answered 2 days ago
mcadorel
793
793
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
add a comment |
up vote
1
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 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
add a comment |
up vote
1
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 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
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 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
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 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
answered 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
answered 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
answered 11 hours ago
DaveBoltman
46438
46438
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
add a comment |
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
answered 10 hours ago
Paul Johnson
1,024413
1,024413
add a comment |
add a comment |
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3
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
yesterday
2
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
yesterday