Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Meaning & History

We’ve all been there. Something disappointing happens, and the next thing you know someone’s saying “Don't cry over spilled milk.” While it can be a nice sentiment, why exactly do we say it, and what does it mean? 

No matter how you say the proverb, “don’t cry over spilled milk” or “it’s no use crying over spilled milk,” the phrase means that there’s no point to being upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed.

Some say this expression "don't cry over spilled milk" was first used in a book from 1888, which tells the story of a man who had just been robbed. Despite his predicament, he responded: “It was no use, however, crying over spilt milk.”

Meanwhile, others say it can be traced further back to James Howell, who wrote the phrase “No weeping for shed milk” in his 1659 literary work called Paramoigraphy (Proverbs). 

No matter when it was first used, we agree there’s no use stressing out over things that have already happened – On February 11th, National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day, make sure you carry this lesson with you. However, at U.S. Dairy, there’s no shame in literally crying over spilled milk.

After all, this is a drink worth celebrating!