Meaning
When the opportunity has already passed
Cultural Background
The phrase is often followed by 'Kısmet değilmiş' (It wasn't meant to be), showing a religious/cultural acceptance of fate. In Turkish business culture, deadlines can be flexible, but once a 'final' decision is made, this phrase is used to end all negotiations. Commonly used in news headlines to criticize government delays in responding to crises. Used on Twitter (X) when a celebrity tries to apologize for a scandal too late.
Use it for closure
If someone is complaining about a past mistake, use this phrase to help them stop worrying and move on.
Avoid over-dramatizing
Don't use it if you can still fix the problem, or you'll sound like a drama queen/king.
Meaning
When the opportunity has already passed
Use it for closure
If someone is complaining about a past mistake, use this phrase to help them stop worrying and move on.
Avoid over-dramatizing
Don't use it if you can still fix the problem, or you'll sound like a drama queen/king.
The 'meden' form
Mastering 'İş işten geçmeden...' will make you sound very natural when giving advice.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the idiom.
Dün indirim vardı ama almadım. Bugün fiyatlar iki katına çıkmış, artık ___ ___ ___.
The situation (price increase) has already happened, so we use the past tense form of the idiom.
Match the situation to the most appropriate response.
Situation: You forgot to apply for a visa and your flight is tomorrow.
Since a visa cannot be obtained in one day, the opportunity is permanently lost for that specific flight.
Complete the dialogue.
Ayşe: 'Keşke ona gerçekleri söyleseydim.' Mehmet: 'Artık üzülme, ___ ___ ___.'
Mehmet is telling Ayşe not to be sad because the time for action has passed.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to give a warning?
Choose the best warning:
'İş işten geçmeden' is the standard way to say 'before it's too late.'
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDün indirim vardı ama almadım. Bugün fiyatlar iki katına çıkmış, artık ___ ___ ___.
The situation (price increase) has already happened, so we use the past tense form of the idiom.
Situation: You forgot to apply for a visa and your flight is tomorrow.
Since a visa cannot be obtained in one day, the opportunity is permanently lost for that specific flight.
Ayşe: 'Keşke ona gerçekleri söyleseydim.' Mehmet: 'Artık üzülme, ___ ___ ___.'
Mehmet is telling Ayşe not to be sad because the time for action has passed.
Choose the best warning:
'İş işten geçmeden' is the standard way to say 'before it's too late.'
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, use 'geç kaldı' for people. Use 'iş işten geçti' for the situation itself.
It can be slightly blunt, like saying 'too bad.' Use it carefully with superiors.
Rarely. You might say 'İş işten geçecek' (It will be too late), but 'geçti' is much more common.
The latter implies a competition where someone else won. 'İş işten geçti' is just about the time passing.
Related Phrases
Atı alan Üsküdar'ı geçti
similarThe one who took the horse has already passed Üsküdar.
Geç olsun da güç olmasın
contrastLet it be late, as long as it's not difficult/impossible.
Son pişmanlık fayda etmez
builds onFinal regret is of no use.
Tren kaçtı
synonymThe train has been missed.
