noun
last-minute measure; too-late action
Abbreviation of the proverb 泥棒を捕らえて縄を綯う (making rope after catching the thief). Refers to starting preparations only after the problem has already occurred; a hasty, belated measure.
See also: 泥棒を捕らえて縄を綯う
試験前日の勉強は泥縄だ。
Studying the day before the exam is a last-minute measure.
泥縄式の対策では間に合わない。
Hasty, last-minute measures won't be in time.
The full proverb from which 泥縄 is abbreviated. It literally means 'to twist rope after catching the thief' and carries the same meaning of acting too late.
Abbreviation of the proverb 泥棒を捕らえて縄を綯う (making rope after catching the thief). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with this meaning.