Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
to-close-the-stable-door-after-the-horse-has-bolted
idiom
/təʊ ˈkləʊz ðə ˈsteɪbəl dɔːr ˈɑːftər ðə hɔːrs hæz ˈboʊltəd/
Definition
To take action to prevent something after the event has already happened.
Examples
- It’s useless trying to fix the security system now; we’re just closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
- She didn’t study for the exam and now she wants to review the material—it’s a case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
Meaning
This phrase implies that it’s too late to take preventive measures once the damaging event has occurred.
Synonyms
- Too little, too late
- After the fact
- Closing the barn door after the horse has escaped
