Question

Identify the meaning of the idioms or phrases given in capitals in the sentence:
Do not CRY OVER SPILLED MILK.

• A. worry about the future
• B. plan for the future
• C. Happy about something that has already happened
• D. upset about something that has already happened.

Hint:

Don't cry over spilled milk encourages resilience. It means: what's done is done. Do not waste energy being upset over things that have already occurred and cannot be changed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: This idiom uses a simple domestic accident to convey a deeper life lesson: once a resource is wasted or a mistake is made, no amount of sorrow can undo it.

Step 1: Trace the literal and metaphorical meaning. * Once milk is spilled on the ground, it cannot be recovered. Crying or expressing sorrow over it is useless because the event cannot be undone. * Metaphorically, it advises people not to waste time being upset over past mistakes, historical losses, or unchangeable events.

Step 2: Filter the options. * (A) worry about the future: Incorrect, as the idiom targets past events. * (B) plan for the future: Incorrect, as the idiom focuses on processing past losses. * (C) Happy about something: Incorrect, as crying implies sadness, not joy. * (D) upset about something that has already happened: Perfectly matches the definition of dwelling unproductively on past events.