亡羊补牢

wáng yáng bǔ láo
idiom★Intermediate💡 to mend the fold after the sheep is lost◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To take corrective action after a problem has occurred, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention to prevent further damage.
Literal Meaning
To lose a sheep and then repair the fold
Literal Breakdown
亡羊lost sheep+补牢repair the fold
◇ Mental Image
A shepherd who loses a sheep and then decides to repair the fence to prevent further losses.
◈ When to Use
A company discovers a security flaw and immediately implements measures to fix it, using the idiom to explain the importance of timely action.
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom is derived from a story in ancient Chinese philosophy, highlighting the importance of learning from mistakes and taking proactive measures.
general

To take remedial action after a problem has occurred, emphasizing the importance of timely action to prevent further damage.

公司发现漏洞后立即采取措施，亡羊补牢，避免了更大的损失。

After discovering the vulnerability, the company took immediate measures to mend the fold, preventing greater losses.

💡

This idiom is often used to advise taking action to rectify a situation before it worsens.

Related Phrases

亡羊补牢，未为晚也proverb
It's not too late to mend the fold after the sheep is lost

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This idiom is often used in situations where a problem has already occurred, and the focus is on taking corrective action to prevent further damage.

⚡Gold Rule

Timely Action

The idiom emphasizes that while it's better to prevent problems, taking action as soon as a problem arises can still mitigate further damage.

📖Word Origin

The idiom originates from a story in the 'Han Feizi' where a man who lost a sheep finally decides to repair the fence, symbolizing the importance of taking action before it's too late.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the importance of timely action to prevent further problems.

Word Breakdown

亡羊
lost sheep
root
+
补牢
repair the fold
root
汉英词典