Used in reference to an opportunity that has passed or a situation that can no longer be changed.
‘we're good friends but I don't think we'll ever be anything more to each other—that ship has sailed’
‘And whenever you mention sovereignty now, you will be told: "Oh, that ship has sailed".’
‘That ship has sailed, and Wal-Mart is firmly at the helm.’
‘Well, I still think the art direction is a little too much the style of the books' designer, Seth, as opposed to Charles M. Schulz, but I suppose that ship has sailed.’
‘I think the ship has sailed on my career in a uniform, though once in awhile I joke about being available if the Yankees need another reliever.’
‘It's time to accept that the ship has sailed and no matter how hard I chase after it with the world's fastest speedboat I may never catch up.’
‘The signs were pointing towards Gardner making his return before the end of the month, but that ship has sailed.’
‘It's great that they can still pull big numbers with this show/format in Brazil and elsewhere, but the ship has sailed in North America.’
‘His smile still makes her melt, but Sarah knows that ship has sailed.’
‘That ship has sailed, and there is already nuclear waste at various power plants throughout the United States.’
‘"They want us to reopen the case?" "No. That ship has sailed."’
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