소 잃고 외양간 고친다

so ilgeo oeyanggan gochin-da
proverb★Intermediate◆proverb
◆ What It Really Means
Taking action after it's too late to prevent a problem, often with a sense of regret or futility.
Literal Meaning
To lose a cow and then repair the barn.
Literal Breakdown
소 잃고lose a cow+외양간 고친다repair the barn
◇ Mental Image
The image of a farmer who loses a cow and then decides to repair the barn, which is too late to prevent the loss.
◈ When to Use
A company that experiences a data breach and then invests heavily in cybersecurity measures afterward.
◉ Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural emphasis on foresight and proactive measures to prevent problems.
informal

To take action too late to prevent a problem that has already occurred, often after suffering a loss or failure.

회사에서 큰 손실을 본 후, 비상 계획 수립을 시작했다. 정말 소 잃고 외양간 고친다.

After suffering huge losses at the company, they started to establish an emergency plan. It's really like locking the barn door after the horse has bolted.

💡

This proverb emphasizes the futility of taking preventive measures after the damage is already done.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

말 잃고 외양간 고친다proverb
A similar proverb with the same meaning, using 'horse' instead of 'cow'.

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to express frustration or disappointment about delayed action.

📖Word Origin

The proverb originates from the idea of losing a cow and then repairing the barn, which is too late to prevent the loss.

📝Usage Notes

This expression is often used to criticize someone for not taking timely action or for being reactive rather than proactive.

한영사전