Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

That ship has sailed

Too late to do something

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "that ship has sailed" is too late to do something.

The idiom is thought to have originated in the 16th century, and is thought to be based on the image of a ship that has already left port. Once a ship has sailed, it is impossible to catch up to it.

The idiom is now used more generally to describe any situation where it is too late to do something because the opportunity has passed.

The other options are not as appropriate meanings for the idiom "that ship has sailed":

• To arrive early: This is not the meaning of the idiom.
• To reach safely: This is not the meaning of the idiom.
• Too extreme to follow: This is not the meaning of the idiom.