To fail to take advantage of an opportunity; to arrive too late to profit. The analogy to missing a scheduled transport is fairly obvious and has been drawn since about 1900. One of its more curious uses was in a speech by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain commenting (April 4, 1940) on Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Norway, “Hitler has missed the bus.” This was odd in view of Chamberlain’s own temporizing and attempts at pacification, which gave Hitler more time to embark unimpeded on his conquest of Europe.
Related and Similar Terms 🍀
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Opportunity knocked and you didn’t answer
- Definition: To miss out because of inaction when an opportunity arises.
- Synonyms: Missed chance, Not capitalizing, Let slip.
- Antonyms: Seize the day, Strike while the iron is hot.
- Humor-filled quote: “Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.” — Kyle Chandler
- Proverb: “Make hay while the sun shines.”
- Literature: “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare (to plot or not to plot?)
- Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
- Movie: “The Pursuit of Happyness”
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Missed the train
- Definition: Failed to take a crucial opportunity.
- Synonyms: Too late, Train’s left the station.
- Humor-filled quote: “Trains may leave the station, but new opportunities come in cycles.”
- Proverb: “Time and tide wait for no man.”
- Literature: “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell (caught between trains)
- Song: “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
- Movie: “Sliding Doors”
Educational Corner 📚
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Explanation of Origin: Generally accepted since the early 1900s, ‘missed the bus’ solidified itself in English idioms likely due to the simplicity of the imagery: a bus’s fixed schedule; miss it, and you’re out of luck.
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Example Usage:
- “Jack missed the bus on the promotion; he just didn’t put in enough effort.”
Let’s Quiz! 🌟
Farewell note: If there’s one lesson to take from idioms like “missed the bus,” it’s that timing can be everything. So, grab those chances by the reins, as they seldom wait around! 🚀✨
