泥どろ棒ぼうを捕とらえて縄なわを綯なう

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)

• 試し験けんの前ぜん日じつに慌あわてて勉べん強きょうするのは、泥どろ棒ぼうを捕とらえて縄なわを綯なうようなものだ。

  Cramming the day before an exam is like braiding the rope only after the thief is caught.

• 災さい害がいが起おきてから防ぼう災さい計けい画かくを立たてても、泥どろ棒ぼうを捕とらえて縄なわを綯なうのと同おなじだ。

  Making a disaster plan after a calamity strikes is just like locking the stable door after the horse has been stolen.