会えに合あわぬ花はな

expression, noun

too late to be useful; after the fact; a day late and a dollar short

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'flowers that don't arrive in time for a Buddhist service'. Used for something that comes too late to be of any help, like an offer or assistance after the need has passed.

• 彼かれの助じょ言げんは会えに合あわぬ花はなだった。

  His advice was too late to be of any use.

• 事じ故こが起おきてから安あん全ぜん対たい策さくをしても会えに合あわぬ花はなだ。

  Implementing safety measures after the accident is like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.