Have you ever missed a window of opportunity?
It happens to all of us!
Listen in on today’s episode to learn how to talk about missed opportunities.
Gain the confidence to talk about the things you have missed out on in your personal life or at work.
Have you been sailing?
Lindsay asks Michelle if she has ever been sailing on either an ocean or river.
Michelle did go sailing on the Hudson river as part of a job.
Lindsay shares that she’s actually going sailing in Boston with friends and family.
In today’s episode Lidnsay and Michelle are going to share a very useful expression that deals with sailing.
All Ears English episodes give you common phrases and expressions in English that can be helpful in your daily conversations.
Check out episode AEE 2255: It Gets Me Every Time! How to Say What Makes You Emotional in English and learn vocabulary to talk about memories.
That ship has sailed!
The expression that Lindsay and Michelle are focusing on today is, “That ship has sailed”.
Michelle used this expression recently and it made her realize it is a really useful one for listeners to learn.
This expression doesn’t actually refer to ships.
Rather, it means that something is over or an opportunity has passed.
You will often hear this said when there was a chance for something to happen, but it didn’t.
Here are some examples:
- I thought they would be a great couple, but that ship has sailed. He has a new girlfriend.
- I was hoping to get the job, but I called and unfortunately that ship has sailed. They already chose someone.
Missing opportunities
Michelle asks Lindsay if she has ever missed an opportunity.
Lindsay responses that she feels she may have missed her window to travel to certain places like roaming around in India.
She can feel sad regarding this so she just then moves on to thinking about something else.
Michelle mentions she feels the same way.
There are certain things that she wants to do but since she is not that young anymore, there are more things to consider now.
Take note regarding the expression ‘that ship has sailed’ that it can be used for something simple.
It doesn’t have to be something profound or about deep situations.
It can be about missing something small.
Here is an example:
Lindsay: So should we go to the movie?
Michelle: Uh oh. That ship has sailed.
Lindsay: Why?
Michelle: The last showing started ten minutes ago.
Missed chances
Here are other terms that are similar in meaning to ‘that ship has sailed.’
These phrases all mean that you missed your window of opportunity.
#1: Too late (now)
Example:
Oh no! I wanted to sign up but it’s too late now. They are sold out.
#2: Missed the boat
Example:
I really missed the boat on that stock pick
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Michelle using the vocabulary shared in today’s episode.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Micehhel are friends and are in the car.
Lindsay: I can’t wait to get there.
Michelle: Ok help me get into the next lane.
Lindsay: Uhhh Michelle- that ship has sailed. You just missed the exit.
Michelle: Oh man! I didn’t hear the GPS.
Lindsay: Yeah… well it’s too late now. We will have to get off the highway.
Michelle: Ugh. I really missed the boat on that one, didn’t I?
Lindsay: It’s ok we will get there.
Takeaway
It can be disappointing to feel like you missed out on an opportunity.
Move forward, stay present and don’t dwell on regret.
There are a lot of opportunities in store for you.
Stay alert and keep getting yourself prepared for more chances in the future.
You can connect by using the right vocabulary to express your thoughts.
Don’t miss the chance to create connections today!
When have you missed a window of opportunity?
Share details in the comments below.
