close the stable door after the horse has bolted

To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. It isn't worth replacing the oil filter on the engine now—you can't close the stable door after the horse has bolted.

See also: after, bolt, close, door, horse, stable

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Celia	['si:ljə]
Antonela	-	Croatian
Derrick	DER-ik	English
Herry	-	Medieval English
Nicolaus	NEE-ko-lows (German)	German, Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Nkruma	-	Western African, Akan