1. Home
2. Idioms
3. lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

---

---

lock the stable door after the horse has bolted

To try to prevent or rectify a problem after the damage has already been done. My father quit smoking after he was diagnosed with lung cancer, but I'm afraid he's locking the stable door after the horse has bolted.

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