渇かつに臨のぞみて井いを掘ほる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

fail to prepare in time; not dig a well until one is thirsty

A classical proverb warning against procrastination: one should prepare before a need arises. The literal meaning is 'to dig a well when one is thirsty.' Often used to criticize lack of foresight.

• 渇かつに臨のぞみて井いを掘ほるでは遅おそすぎる。

  It's too late to dig a well when you're already thirsty.

• 彼かれはいつも渇かつに臨のぞみて井いを掘ほるようなことばかりしている。

  He's always doing things like digging a well only after he gets thirsty.