"That ship has sailed!" What does this mean?

Question

I keep hearing it and I'm not all too sure I know what it means. Can anybody tell me? Thanks in advance guys!

Answer 1

It means that you are past the point where you could make a change regarding a situation.  If the ship has sailed, you can't be ON it :-)

Answer 2

It means something is over. If you were going to sign up for a club, but you missed the deadline.."That ship has sailed."

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

It means that you were trying to board the boat in time, but it has already gone -- you missed the boat!

Basically, it means that you missed your opportunity to do something.  The ship of opportunity already left without you.

Answer 4

It means the opportunity is over, or the decision has been made. Too little too late!