"Get the cream" is a phrase commonly used to express the joy of obtaining the best or most desired result. Its antonyms, however, are expressions of disappointment, loss, or failure. A few antonyms for "get the cream" may be "miss the boat," which means missing a great opportunity or chance for success, "fail to achieve," which means not reaching a goal, or "settle for less," which means accepting a less desirable outcome. Other antonyms for "get the cream" may include "lose out," "fall short," or "come up empty-handed." These phrases often indicate an unsuccessful or insufficient outcome, in contrast to the positive connotations of "get the cream.