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

The advice to do the next thing and not cry over spilt milk is ever so much better than sentimental recalling of the past.

From Health Through Will Power by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)