Is there a proverb to express “You are too late and it's your own fault.”? [on hold]

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In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."

While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."

Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

put on hold as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ 6 hours ago

Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.

6

I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46

3

Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07

By “shitting ones,” do you mean those using the toilet?
– Khalid Hussain
9 hours ago

1

A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

1

If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
42
down vote

favorite

In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."

While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."

Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

put on hold as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ 6 hours ago

6

I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46

3

Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07

By “shitting ones,” do you mean those using the toilet?
– Khalid Hussain
9 hours ago

1

A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

1

If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
42
down vote

favorite

In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."

While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."

Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

In Lithuanian language there is a proverb that translated word-for-word would say "The train does not wait for the shitting ones."

While sounding somewhat rude, it is perfect for expressing: "You are too late, and that's your own fault."

Is there any proverb in English that could convey the same idea?

proverb-requests

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

edited 2 days ago

maborg

1033

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

asked Nov 14 at 14:58

april

316125

New contributor

april is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

put on hold as primarily opinion-based by MetaEd♦ 6 hours ago

6

I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46

3

Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07

By “shitting ones,” do you mean those using the toilet?
– Khalid Hussain
9 hours ago

1

A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

1

If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

add a comment |

6

I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46

3

Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07

By “shitting ones,” do you mean those using the toilet?
– Khalid Hussain
9 hours ago

1

A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

1

If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

I live in the U.S. and never had the pleasure of hearing this Lithuanian proverb before. Thank you! I have happily added it to my vocabulary. "The train does not wait for the shitting ones." Love it.
– Headblender
Nov 15 at 20:46

Tangentially related: Gorbatchev's famous "Those who are late will be castigated by life itself" ("Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben"), aimed at Honecker.
– Peter A. Schneider
Nov 16 at 1:07

By “shitting ones,” do you mean those using the toilet?
– Khalid Hussain
9 hours ago

A word or phrase request can easily attract a long list of answers when it’s too subjective – more of a poll or request for ideas. Unfortunately neither are a good fit for the Stack Exchange model. A Stack Exchange question is objective and specific enough that it has a clearly “right” answer. See: “Real questions have answers, not items or ideas or opinions”, “Single word requests, crosswords, and the fight against mediocrity”.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

If possible, add details of research you’ve done, especially solutions you’ve already rejected, and why. If this is not possible because you really do have a subjective question, a welcoming place to ask for advice is our English Language & Usage Chat.
– MetaEd♦
6 hours ago

add a comment |

11 Answers
11

active

oldest

votes

up vote
122
down vote

accepted

More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"

(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

1

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

1

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
99
down vote

Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

64

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

1

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

2

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

4

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
44
down vote

I can think of two that might be appropriate.

Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done

Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

5

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

1

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
25
down vote

A day late and a dollar short

is another idiom meaning

late and ill-prepared

There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

1

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
11
down vote

The early bird gets the worm.

Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

8

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

13

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

How about

He who hesitates is lost

I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...

That train has left the station.

(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)

Broadly defined:

That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.

https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986

It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.

And regarding the [pooping] ones...

"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!

Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

1

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

I've once heard the latin saying :

Tarde venientibus ossa.

Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].

This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

If you say

Too little, too late

you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

the devil takes the hindmost

has about the same meaning.

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

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11 Answers
11

active

oldest

votes

11 Answers
11

active

oldest

votes

up vote
122
down vote

accepted

More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"

(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

1

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

1

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
122
down vote

accepted

More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"

(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

1

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

1

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
122
down vote

accepted

More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"

(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

More succintly, and less formally, there is also "You snooze, you lose!"

(idiomatic) If you are not alert and attentive, you will not be successful.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/you_snooze_you_lose

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

answered Nov 14 at 17:36

Ddddan

896157

New contributor

Ddddan is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

1

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

1

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

add a comment |

1

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

1

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

Ah, this could be it! While it looks quite different, I think the idea behind is basically the same.
– april
Nov 15 at 9:10

Honestly, I like this one MUST better than the Lithuanian one. Sometimes nature calls and then does not cooperate with a speedy exit, and it's not your fault that you missed the train because of this. Snoozing, on the other hand, implies something deliberate that is your fault, and at least to me this form of the word omits sleep disorders beyond your control.
– Michael
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
99
down vote

Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

64

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

1

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

2

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

4

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
99
down vote

Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

64

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

1

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

2

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

4

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
99
down vote

Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

Time and tide wait for no man, is an English proverb with a similar meaning.

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

answered Nov 14 at 16:20

Dmann

1,11917

64

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

1

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

2

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

4

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

add a comment |

64

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

1

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

2

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

4

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

Obligatory XKCD: xkcd.com/1704
– justhalf
Nov 14 at 18:16

I find this quite appropriate, maybe the closest in meaning, maybe just a little less common than some of the other suggestion, thanks!
– april
Nov 15 at 9:08

@justhalf It's really not obligatory. You could just ... not post xkcd links. It's not even a funny comic...
– only_pro
2 days ago

XKCD adds value to everything. (46 upvoters agree)
– Yvonne Aburrow
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
44
down vote

I can think of two that might be appropriate.

Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done

Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

5

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

1

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
44
down vote

I can think of two that might be appropriate.

Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done

Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

5

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

1

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
44
down vote

I can think of two that might be appropriate.

Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done

Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

I can think of two that might be appropriate.

Though it doesn't necessarily deal directly with tardiness, there is, "You've made your bed. Now lie in it."
According to the online Cambridge Dictionary, it means:

said to someone who must accept the unpleasant results of something
they have done

Also, there is, "That ship has sailed."
The website UsingEnglish.com defines that as:

A particular opportunity has passed you by when that ship has sailed.

Although fault isn't explicit, I'd argue the latter idiom suggests the fault lies with the individual having waited too long to take advantage of an opportunity.

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

edited Nov 14 at 22:47

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

answered Nov 14 at 16:13

drewhart

1,14328

5

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

1

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

add a comment |

5

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

1

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

A variant is "to miss the boat": collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/to-miss-the-boat
– Paul Johnson
2 days ago

@PaulJohnson: true, please post that one as answer in its own right, it's also good
– smci
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
25
down vote

A day late and a dollar short

is another idiom meaning

late and ill-prepared

There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

1

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
25
down vote

A day late and a dollar short

is another idiom meaning

late and ill-prepared

There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

1

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
25
down vote

A day late and a dollar short

is another idiom meaning

late and ill-prepared

There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

A day late and a dollar short

is another idiom meaning

late and ill-prepared

There is even a TV movie with this as a title based on a book of the same title

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

answered Nov 14 at 22:51

Michael J.

1,852514

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

1

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

add a comment |

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

1

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

Wow, so many story plots come to mind with this expression, truly poetic.
– brasofilo
18 hours ago

@brasofilo, and the universalit of the statement is amazing. Every person on Earth has experienced this truism.
– JBH
11 hours ago

add a comment |

up vote
11
down vote

The early bird gets the worm.

Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

8

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

13

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
11
down vote

The early bird gets the worm.

Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

8

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

13

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
11
down vote

The early bird gets the worm.

Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

The early bird gets the worm.

Whoever arrives at the prize first gets it. (It's implied that slowpokes do not get anything)

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

answered Nov 15 at 2:09

Arcanist Lupus

2193

New contributor

Arcanist Lupus is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.

8

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

13

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

add a comment |

8

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

13

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

“EARLY BIRD Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird-- But if you’re a worm, sleep late.” ― Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends
– KannE
Nov 15 at 3:05

I still prefer the corollary: "But the second mouse gets the cheese..."
– Darrel Hoffman
Nov 15 at 16:32

And if you want something else for breakfast, get up later.
– RedSonja
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

How about

He who hesitates is lost

I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

How about

He who hesitates is lost

I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

How about

He who hesitates is lost

I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

How about

He who hesitates is lost

I had to look up the source for this proverb, which seems to be a play:

https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/455/he-who-hesitates-is-lost

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

answered Nov 14 at 22:28

pbasdf

862116

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...

That train has left the station.

(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)

Broadly defined:

That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.

https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986

It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.

And regarding the [pooping] ones...

"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!

Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

1

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...

That train has left the station.

(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)

Broadly defined:

That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.

https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986

It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.

And regarding the [pooping] ones...

"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!

Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

1

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
8
down vote

Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...

That train has left the station.

(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)

Broadly defined:

That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.

https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986

It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.

And regarding the [pooping] ones...

"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!

Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

Regarding 'trains' and tardiness...

That train has left the station.

(Also, the train instead of that train is said.)

Broadly defined:

That opportunity has already passed; that cannot be undone.

https://www.phrases.net/phrase/that-train-has-left-the-station_20986

It's similar to this saying--You've missed the boat.--meaning something is already underway, so it's too late to weigh in on that; you've missed your chance to do so or an opportunity in general.

And regarding the [pooping] ones...

"[Poop] or get off the pot!" Basic meaning: Quit stalling!

Get it? Public restroom stalls... Never mind; toilet humor is optional.

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

edited 2 days ago

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

answered Nov 15 at 4:38

KannE

798114

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

1

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

add a comment |

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

1

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

Isn't 'shit or get off the pot' more about hogging facilities/opportunities and stopping others accessing them? It's akin to 'dog in the manger' in that it is about the result of the shitter/dog being in a place they have no use for as a dog cannot east hay. The idiom the OP is after is about the person's loss being their own fault.
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 15:08

@Spagirl, I know, some people use it like--My turn!--quite literally in public restrooms sometimes, but it's more about the 'constipated' person wasting time and possibly missing out because of it; it's not really about selfishness, but that's an interesting viewpoint. Which are we more concerned about--the pooper or the pot?--ha-ha. In any case, the poop part is intended to be an aside; that's why no reference is cited for it, but here is one just FYI: en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/….
– KannE
Nov 15 at 17:25

I stand corrected then, that's certainly never been my understanding of the meaning. Every day a school day!
– Spagirl
Nov 15 at 17:33

My upvote is for "The train has left the station."
– J.R.
2 days ago

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

I've once heard the latin saying :

Tarde venientibus ossa.

Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].

This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

I've once heard the latin saying :

Tarde venientibus ossa.

Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].

This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

add a comment |

up vote
4
down vote

I've once heard the latin saying :

Tarde venientibus ossa.

Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].

This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

I've once heard the latin saying :

Tarde venientibus ossa.

Those who come late just get the scraps [litt. 'bones'].

This is admittedly not English, but a reference exists in wikipedia.

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

answered Nov 15 at 15:03

mcadorel

793

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

add a comment |

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

My English parents used this saying on me to mean "you are too late and it is your fault". Typically for not getting to the dinner table promptly and the worst I ever actually got was a cold dinner.
– Simon G.
Nov 15 at 16:19

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

add a comment |

up vote
3
down vote

@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

@drewhart mentioned "that ship has sailed". A common variant is "You missed the boat".

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

answered yesterday

Paul Johnson

1,044413

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

If you say

Too little, too late

you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

If you say

Too little, too late

you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

add a comment |

up vote
1
down vote

If you say

Too little, too late

you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

If you say

Too little, too late

you're "blaming someone for not doing enough to prevent a problem and for taking action only after the problem had become very bad."

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/too-little-too-late

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

answered yesterday

DaveBoltman

46438

add a comment |

up vote
0
down vote

the devil takes the hindmost

has about the same meaning.

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

up vote
0
down vote

the devil takes the hindmost

has about the same meaning.

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

up vote
0
down vote

the devil takes the hindmost

has about the same meaning.

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

the devil takes the hindmost

has about the same meaning.

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

edited 4 hours ago

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

answered 11 hours ago

Martin Zeitler

1113

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

|
show 5 more comments

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Really? In 60 years of listening I've never heard anything at all like "the dogs always bite the last one" and I beg to point out that "the devil takes the hindmost" is clearly about he who comes last, not they who come late.
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin it's a common German saying, while I've found out that it also does exist in English. being late to an event in time and being the last in row has similar meaning - and also the unfortunate result is there.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

Sorry, Martin. If you think that saying is used in English, please provide some published examples. Either way, do you think there's no difference between "late" and "last"?
– Robbie Goodwin
4 hours ago

@RobbieGoodwin have found it here: linguee.de/deutsch-englisch/uebersetzung/… ...sure I can differ in between late and last ...while hindmost is a new term I've learned.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

ok, when following the link to the source ...one can see it was written by a German. the devil takes the hindmost still appears to be of English origin.
– Martin Zeitler
4 hours ago

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protected by tchrist♦ Nov 15 at 20:28

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