also: かつにのぞみていをうがつ
expression, godan verb (-tsu)
to fail to make timely preparations; to not dig a well until one is thirsty
Proverb criticizing lack of foresight; equivalent to 'don't wait until you're thirsty to dig a well.' Used in formal or literary contexts.
災害が起きてから対策を考えるのは、渇に臨みて井を穿つようなものだ。
Thinking about countermeasures only after a disaster strikes is like not digging a well until you're thirsty.
彼はいつも渇に臨みて井を穿つやり方で、準備不足で失敗する。
He always fails to prepare in time, like someone who doesn't dig a well until he's thirsty.