To miss the boat

In English, when we use the expression 'to miss the boat' we mean that we are too late to take advantage of a good opportunity.

• If I hadn't bought a new flat last year I would have missed the boat. Properties are more expensive now. - avoir raté une opportunité, loupé le coche

•  I should have travelled the world when I was young. Now I have a family to take care of. I might have missed the boat.

 

Source TEWS: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2013/03/130312_tews_114_to_miss_the_boat.shtml