亡羊补牢
虽然已经损失了一些钱，但亡羊补牢还来得及。
Although some money was already lost, it's still not too late to make amends.
To take action to prevent further loss or damage after a mistake or misfortune has already occurred.
地震过后，政府亡羊补牢，加强了建筑物的抗震标准。
After the earthquake, the government took action to strengthen building seismic standards—better late than never.
虽然这次项目失败了，但亡羊补牢，我们可以从中吸取教训。
Although the project failed this time, it's not too late to learn from it and improve.
Often used to advise someone to correct a mistake or improve a situation after it has already gone wrong.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use
Use this idiom when someone has made a mistake but can still take corrective action to avoid further damage. It emphasizes the importance of timely action rather than dwelling on past errors.
Gold Rule
Idiom vs. Proverb
This is an idiom (成语) rather than a proverb. While both convey wisdom, idioms are typically four-character phrases with fixed wording, whereas proverbs may be longer or more flexible in structure.
Word Origin
The idiom originates from a fable in the ancient Chinese text 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策). It tells the story of a shepherd who lost some sheep because the pen was not properly closed. When others advised him to fix the pen, he replied that the sheep were already lost, so it was too late. However, the shepherd later realized his mistake and repaired the pen. From then on, the sheep stopped escaping. The idiom thus conveys the lesson that correcting a mistake early can prevent further losses.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to encourage proactive measures after a setback. Often appears in advice-giving contexts or reflections on past mistakes.