Cry over spilled milk

Definition

To regret or worry about an accident or mistake that cannot be corrected or changed.

Origin / Etymology

The phrase is believed to have originated in the 19th century, though its exact origins are unclear. It is thought to be an American English idiom.

Correct Usage Examples

• There's no point in crying over spilled milk; we should just clean it up and move on.
• Don't cry over spilled milk; it's better to focus on what you can do to prevent it in the future.
• She spilled her coffee, but she quickly told herself to stop crying over spilled milk and start the day anew.

Common Misspellings

Cry over spill milk, Cry over spilt milk, Cry over spillied milk, Cry over spillid milk

Related Phrases

• All that glitters is not gold
• Barking up the wrong tree
• Leave no stone unturned

FAQ

What does 'crying over spilled milk' mean?

It means to regret or worry about a mistake that cannot be changed or corrected.

Is it 'spill' or 'spilt' in the phrase?

Both 'spill' and 'spilt' are correct, though 'spill' is more common in modern usage.

Where does the phrase come from?

The phrase is believed to have originated in the 19th century, possibly in American English, but its exact origin is unclear.

Explore the ecosystem

More from the Zynthio network: Zynthio Wiki, 1000 Words, Zynthio AI.