Step 1: Consider the literal image in the idiom. Once a ship has sailed, it cannot be easily brought back to the shore. This physical situation is used metaphorically to represent a missed or irretrievable opportunity.
Step 2: Interpreting the expression idiomatically, it conveys that the chance or opportunity is already gone and cannot be recovered.
Step 3: Among the given options, option (B) clearly expresses the idea that the opportunity has already passed. Therefore, it is the correct answer.