소 잃고 외양간 고친다

so ilgeo oeyanggan gochin-daproverb
to fix the stable after the cow is lost

그 회사에서 직원 교육을 강화했지만 이미 많은 직원이 떠났어. 소 잃고 외양간 고친다.

The company strengthened employee training, but many employees had already left. It's like locking the barn door after the horse has bolted.


What It Really Means
Taking action after the damage has already been done, often too late to be effective.
Literal Meaning
To lose a cow and then fix the stable.
Literal Breakdown
cow+잃고lost+외양간stable+고친다fixes
Mental Image
A farmer who loses a cow and then decides to fix the stable door to prevent future losses, but the action is too late to help the already lost cow.
When to Use
A company implements new security measures after a data breach occurs, realizing that the damage has already been done.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of preventive action and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive.
informal

To take precautions or make improvements after the damage has already been done, often too late to be effective.

시험 공부를 이제 시작했어. 소 잃고 외양간 고친다.

I'm just starting to study for the exam. It's like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

회사가 보안 시스템을 강화했지만 이미 해킹 당했어. 소 잃고 외양간 고친다.

The company strengthened its security system, but it had already been hacked. It's like locking the barn door after the horse has bolted.

This proverb is often used to criticize actions that are taken too late to prevent a problem.

Related Phrases

말 후속phrase
to take action after the fact
늦은 대책phrase
late countermeasure

Pro Tip

Usage Context

This proverb is often used to criticize actions that are taken too late to prevent a problem.

Gold Rule

Critical Timing

The proverb emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures before a problem occurs, rather than trying to fix it afterward.

Word Origin

This proverb originates from the idea of fixing the stable door after the cow has already been stolen, emphasizing the futility of taking action after the damage is done.

Usage Notes

This expression is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to criticize actions that are taken too late to be effective.

Word Breakdown

cow
root
+
잃고
lost
root
+
외양간
stable
root
+
고친다
fixes
root
한영사전