something done too late; too little, too late
Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'presenting a deed after the fact', used when an action or proof comes too late to be useful. Often implies that the opportunity has already passed.
An apology now is too little, too late.
The evidence came out after the trial ended, so it was a case of too little, too late.
Both mean 'too late', but 後の祭り focuses on the event being over, while 証文の出し後れ emphasizes the belated presentation of proof or action.
Literally 'late presentation of a deed'. The phrase originates from the idea of producing a written pledge or contract after the relevant event has already passed, making it useless.