expression, godan verb (-u)
starting something too late; acting after the fact; closing the stable door after the horse has bolted
Proverb criticizing preparations made only after a problem has already occurred. Often used to describe last-minute or reactive measures that should have been done earlier. Related to the shorter expression 泥縄 (どろなわ).
See also: 泥縄 (どろなわ) · 泥縄式 (どろなわしき)
Cramming the day before an exam is like braiding the rope only after the thief is caught.
災害が起きてから防災計画を立てても、泥棒を捕らえて縄を綯うのと同じだ。
Making a disaster plan after a calamity strikes is just like locking the stable door after the horse has been stolen.