What does “What is lost is lost.” mean?
"What is lost is lost" means that once something is lost, it cannot be recovered. It suggests that we should be careful with our possessions and appreciate what we have while we have it.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I accidentally deleted all my files. Well, what is lost is lost. There's no point in dwelling on it now.
Example
I lost my favorite necklace. It's a shame, but what is lost is lost. I'll have to find a way to move on.
Example
I missed the opportunity to travel abroad last year. It's disappointing, but what is lost is lost. I'll make sure to seize any future chances
Is “What is lost is lost.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“What is lost is lost.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “What is lost is lost.” effectively in context?
You can use "What is lost is lost" to express the idea that once something is lost, it cannot be recovered. It emphasizes the importance of accepting and moving on from past losses. For example, if a friend is upset about losing a valuable item, you might say, 'I know it's frustrating, but what is lost is lost. It's important to focus on what you still have.'
- 1Personal Possessions
After losing her phone, she realized that what is lost is lost and decided to be more careful with her belongings.
- 2Missed Opportunities
He regretted not taking a job offer in another city, but he understood that what is lost is lost and focused on finding new opportunities.
- 3Past Mistakes
She made a costly financial mistake, but she accepted that what is lost is lost and learned from the experience.
Similar phrases to “What is lost is lost.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “What is lost is lost.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "What is lost is lost" is unknown.
Is “What is lost is lost.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "What is lost is lost" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs or idioms. However, it can still be used to convey the idea of accepting and moving on from past losses.
What tone does “What is lost is lost.” have?
"What is lost is lost" conveys a tone of acceptance and resignation. It acknowledges the reality that once something is lost, it cannot be regained, and encourages individuals to focus on the present and future instead of dwelling on the past.
Can “What is lost is lost.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "What is lost is lost" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a straightforward expression that conveys a universal concept. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I know it's disappointing, but what is lost is lost. Let's focus on finding a solution.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "what is lost is lost".' to imply acceptance of a loss.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- accept the loss
- move on
- let go of the past
- focus on the present
- look forward
Antonyms
- recover what is lost
- undo the past
- regain what was lost
- fix the mistake
- reverse the situation
