cry over spilt milk

Cultural  

1. To dwell pointlessly on past misfortunes: “I know you wish that you'd handled the project more efficiently, but there's no use crying over spilt milk.”

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Example Sentences

My motto in investing has always been cry over spilt milk, for analyzing errors is how you learn almost everything.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

"I'm not going to cry over spilt milk, it's over now."

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2024

You know the saying "don't cry over spilt milk?"

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2015

“Don’t cry over spilt milk, honey,” says Mom.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

"Hit's too late now ter cry over spilt milk," declared Joyce with a burr in his voice.

From The Roof Tree by Conrey, Lee F.