miss the boat

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To lose a chance to do something by being too slow or late.

Why this phrase?

From literally arriving too late to board a departing boat.

Example

“If you don't apply today, you'll miss the boat on the early discount.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

make hay while the sun shines Neutral · CEFR B2

to take advantage of favourable conditions while they last

strike while the iron is hot Neutral · CEFR B2

to act quickly while the opportunity exists

better late than never Neutral · CEFR A2

Doing something after a delay is better than not doing it at all.

go downhill Neutral · CEFR B1

to become progressively worse in condition, quality, or performance

the early bird catches the worm Neutral · CEFR B1

Those who act promptly have the best chance of success.

back to square one Neutral · CEFR B2

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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