転ころばぬ先さきの杖つえ

expression

prevention is better than cure; a stitch in time saves nine; look before you leap

Proverb literally meaning 'a walking stick before stumbling'; used to advise taking precautions before trouble occurs.

• 転ころばぬ先さきの杖つえで、旅りょ行こうの前まえに保ほ険けんに入はいっておいた。

  As the saying goes, 'a stitch in time saves nine,' so I got insurance before the trip.

• 転ころばぬ先さきの杖つえというから、しっかり準じゅん備びしておこう。

  They say 'prevention is better than cure,' so let's prepare thoroughly.