That Ship Has Sailed

Welcome to English in a Minute!

Sailing on a ship can be a fun way to travel.

But are Jonathan and Anna talking about travel here?

“That Ship Has Sailed”

Hey, Jonathan.

My friend Stella has changed her mind.

She would love to go out with your friend Rocky.

That was months ago! That ship has sailed.

What do you mean? There’s always a chance for love!

Not this time. Rocky got married last week.

Oh. You’re right. That ship has sailed.

When a ship sails it sets off on its trip.

The expression: that ship has sailed” means your chance to do something has passed.

Now, if you don’t like boating or get seasick, you can also say “that train has left the station.”

They both mean the same thing you are too late!

And that’s English in a Minute!