Wang Yang Bu Lao - Mending the Pen After Losing Sheep

Synopsis

A famous Chinese idiom meaning it is not too late to fix the problem after it has occurred. Better late than never.

Meaning

Wang Yang Bu Lao literally means mending the sheep pen after losing sheep. It means it is never too late to take corrective action.

The Story

An advisor warned the King of Chu to reform his governance. The king ignored him. After Chu suffered military defeats, the king asked the advisor for help. The advisor said: it is not too late to call your dog when you see a rabbit; it is not too late to mend the pen after losing sheep.

References

1. Zhan Guo Ce
2. Dictionary of Chinese Idioms